James Poniewozik, “Reality TV at 10: How It’s Changed Television †and Us” Essay

Reality programs can be divided into two large categories: competitions (such as American Idol) and voyeuristic events (such as Real Housewives). The reality television phenomenon is part of a larger societal shift in terms of privacy and self-expression. For a select few, reality shows have given them significant real-life opportunities. Reality programs contain qualities that can be labeled American. The best and worst of reality television shows contain aspirational and democratic qualities. They give the common man a chance in the spot light. They can also revolve around issues, such as job satisfaction and security, which are of topical concern to many Americans. Part 2: The experience of watching the video of the Susan Boyle’s first appearance on Britain’s Got Talent illustrates very clearly one of Steven Johnson’s arguments in his article â€Å"Watching TV Makes You Smarter†: â€Å"When we watch these shows, the part of our brain that monitors the emotional lives of the people around us – the part that tracks subtle shifts in intonation and gesture and facial expression – scrutinizes the action on the screen looking for clues. † We see very clearly Simon Cowell’s eye-rolling at :30, in response to Boyle’s announcement that she is 47 years old. After Boyle announces that her dream is to be a professional singer, there is a cut to a young woman in the audience who smirks and rolls her eyes. When Boyle remarks that she wants to be as successful as Elaine Page, there is another cut to the audience to show their disbelief. All of this occurs before Boyle even begins to sing. The audience and the judges, through their facial expressions, have clearly indicated that they believe Boyle to be delusional. As soon as Boyle opens her mouth, cameras focus on the judges’ wide eyes and the microphones pick up the audiences’ wild cheers. The commentator echoes the audiences’ initial impressions: â€Å"you didn’t expect that did you. † This sentiment is directly addressed by the judges in their commentary: Boyle is referred to as the â€Å"biggest surprise† in the show’s history. Cowell’s comments are filled with irony: he says that he knew as soon as he saw Boyle that he was in for something â€Å"extraordinary. † Watching this video at a later date is instructive. Now, there are very few people who do not know of Susan Boyle and her story. However, in looking at this video from her first appearance on the show, we know that her voice is going to be amazing. With all of the benefits of hindsight, we can observe closely the audience’s and judges’ first reactions to this middle-aged woman in need of a makeover (by the standards of reality television). We can engage our cognitive processes, as Johnson argues, in order to analyze more closely how we can be deceived by our first impressions of reality show personalities.

If Othello had been set in a modern era, how would it differ Essay

The play Othello is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in around 1603. The story has four central characters: Othello, Desdemona, Iago and Cassio. Othello or â€Å"the moor† is a black general, admired for his superb leadership skills. He falls in love with Desdemona, and against Brabantio’s will they elope before embarking on a campaign against the Turks. However, in Cyprus, a storm destroys the Turkish fleet and the real battle turns out to be the one of Iago against Othello. Iago’s hatred for Othello is mainly caused by his anger at missing out on a promotion added to his racism. This leads to his revenge on the protagonist. In this assessment, I am going to analyse how the play would have differed if it had been set in a modern era. The play opens with a heated discussion between Iago and Roderigo. Iago complains about Othello’s decision to promote Cassio as lieutenant. He confesses that he only remains in service of the general in order to succeed in his evil plan: â€Å" I follow him to serve my turn upon him† act 1 sc 1 l. 42. Othello is described as â€Å"the moor†. This epithet often substitutes his actual name â€Å"Othello†. Moreover, Roderigo describes Othello’s with terms such as: â€Å"thick lips†, â€Å"old black ram† and â€Å"devil† Act 1.sc 1. An Elizabethan audience would not have frowned upon the use of these terms, not finding them disturbing, offensive as it would be in our politically correct, multicultural and mobile society where distances between cultures and races have been significantly reduced. It also important to point out that there were few blacks in London during that period; there is evidence to prove this as the rise of black settlements in London occurred only during the 17th- 18th Century. Christianity further exacerbated these racial ideas as it linked the colour white to goodness and the colour black to the devil and sin. Shakespeare shows that he was open and a brave writer who was willing to stand apart from his society, choosing to make a black individual his protagonist. This choice makes him the tragic hero who the audience is encouraged to sympathize with. The second difference that rises between an Elizabethan Othello and a hypothetical modern Othello is the power men have over women. This can be seen immediately in Act 1 Scene 3 with regards to Brabantio and Desdemona. Othello’s true love for Desdemona is not accepted by Desdemona’s father, who accuses him of having used witchcraft to control Desdemona’s feelings. â€Å"She is abused, stol’n from me, and corrupted By spells [†¦] For nature so preposterously to err, Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense Sans witchcraft could not† Act 1 Scene 3 lines 59 -64 Not only does Brabantio believes that Desdemona belongs to him as if she was of his property, her elopement disturbs him even more knowing that Othello is black. Brabantio cannot fathom how the beautiful and gentle Desdemona is attracted to the black Othello. The only way he can justify this relationship is by accusing Othello of having practiced spells against her. These accusations can be seen as typical of that time- average Londoners, such as those who attended and enjoyed Shakespeare’s plays, had very little knowledge about science and relied on popular ‘wisdom’ and religious doctrines to support their beliefs. A modern audience with a more global outlook would not hold – or be loath to admit to- even though racism has not been eradicated. In modern times the power Brabantio has over choosing his daughter’s husband would also not be accepted. Today in most western countries, it is considered a right for women to choose their own partner. The fac t that Desdemona and Othello elope and show a romantic and poetic union: â€Å"Desdemona: That I did love the Moor to live †¦ with him, My downright violence and storm of fortunes May trumpet to the world: my heart’s subdued Even to the very quality of my lord: I saw Othello’s visage in his mind, And to his honour and his valiant parts Did I my soul and fortunes consecrate.† act1 sc3 line 245 demonstrates Shakespeare’s modern thinking and the independency from accepted views and beliefs of the time. The third important factor that would distinguish from an Elizabethan Othello from a modern Othello regards the character of Emilia. Emilia is Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s close friend. Iago uses this friendship to get access to Dedemona, in particular, asking her to steal Desdemona’s handkerchief (a gift from Othello to Desdemona). Emilia does this to â€Å" please his fantasy † even though she admits â€Å"What he will do with it,/ Heaven knows, / not I† Act 3 scene 3 line 290. and the consequences of her actions lead to tragic developments, which have vital importance in the play. From this quote we can see Iago’s hold over Emilia and how she honours her duty as a wife- something that would puzzle us even though there are also women nowadays who are at the mercy of their husbands and do not leave destructive relationships. However, as the play unfolds, particularly in the last two acts we increasingly note that Emilia is an ambiguous character: she is Iago’s victim but also has a strong opinion about men and women that is now reflected in modern society. â€Å"Emilia: But I do think it is their husbands’ faults If wives do fall: say that they slack their duties, And pour our treasures into foreign laps, Or else break out in peevish jealousies, Throwing restraint upon us; or say they strike us, Or scant our former having in despite; Why, we have galls, and though we have some grace, Yet have we some revenge. Act 4 sc 3 line 16† This would probably be a feeling shared by Elizabethans but in reverse- they would identify Emilia as a faithful wife initially but would probably be confused and maybe even shocked by her words to Desdemona and equality between men and women when it comes to desire. In conclusion, we can say that elements of the plot would have undergone marked changes if Othello had been written in modern, politically correct times. Brabantio wouldn’t be making such a drama out of the fact that his daughter has married a black man; Emilia wouldn’t be stealing at the command of her husband and racist terms would not have been used by noblemen and colleagues. If the play had been set in modern times, it wouldn’t be the same play and perhaps it wouldn’t be as exciting and powerful either. Despite the fact that the play was written hundreds of years ago and we think that things have changed, racism and sexism haven’t ended and Shakespeare’s play makes us think.

Moive Review – 8 Mile

I’m a big fan of rap and hip-hop music, so one of my favorite movies is ‘8 Mile’. It is a semi-autobiographic film about Eminem’s life. Starring well-known artists in the movie industry, such as Brittany Murphy, Mekhi Phifer, Omar Benson, Kim Basinger, and Eminem himself, ‘8 Mile’ became one of the most successful movies about musicians ever made. Set in Detroit, 1995, the story revolves around a white boy named Jimmy ‘B-Rabbit’ Smith, an inspiring rapper, trying to succeed in a music style most known for black artists.Jimmy lives in a trailer park with his mother and his younger sister on 8 Mile Road, the imaginary line that separates Detroit in two halves – the have-gots and have-nots. The very first scene of the movie presents ‘The Shelter’- the building where all the rap battles take place. It is Friday night and it’s time for Jimmy to go on stage and battle lyrically with another inspiring rapper. Bu t when he gets the microphone, he ‘chokes’ and gets booed off stage.That really takes him down and he is almost ready to give up on his dream. After some dramatic twists and turns, Mr. Smith mans up, gets over his pains and plunges in the courage to go back on stage and show everybody what his level of skills is like. In some kind it reminds me of the movie ‘The White People Can’t Jump’. The movie has won many prestigious awards, including an Academic Award for Best Original Song, which makes Eminem the only music artist with an Oscar.Not only with brilliant acting, but also with very good soundtrack and deep and moving lyrics, the film will definitely touch your heart and many people will find themselves in a situation similar to Jimmy’s. To sum up, I’ll say that ‘8 Mile’ is worth watching and I’ll recommend it to not only music lovers, but also everyone interested in realistic movies that will make them think about life opportunities and one-time chances. Moive Review – 8 Mile I’m a big fan of rap and hip-hop music, so one of my favorite movies is ‘8 Mile’. It is a semi-autobiographic film about Eminem’s life. Starring well-known artists in the movie industry, such as Brittany Murphy, Mekhi Phifer, Omar Benson, Kim Basinger, and Eminem himself, ‘8 Mile’ became one of the most successful movies about musicians ever made. Set in Detroit, 1995, the story revolves around a white boy named Jimmy ‘B-Rabbit’ Smith, an inspiring rapper, trying to succeed in a music style most known for black artists.Jimmy lives in a trailer park with his mother and his younger sister on 8 Mile Road, the imaginary line that separates Detroit in two halves – the have-gots and have-nots. The very first scene of the movie presents ‘The Shelter’- the building where all the rap battles take place. It is Friday night and it’s time for Jimmy to go on stage and battle lyrically with another inspiring rapper. Bu t when he gets the microphone, he ‘chokes’ and gets booed off stage.That really takes him down and he is almost ready to give up on his dream. After some dramatic twists and turns, Mr. Smith mans up, gets over his pains and plunges in the courage to go back on stage and show everybody what his level of skills is like. In some kind it reminds me of the movie ‘The White People Can’t Jump’. The movie has won many prestigious awards, including an Academic Award for Best Original Song, which makes Eminem the only music artist with an Oscar.Not only with brilliant acting, but also with very good soundtrack and deep and moving lyrics, the film will definitely touch your heart and many people will find themselves in a situation similar to Jimmy’s. To sum up, I’ll say that ‘8 Mile’ is worth watching and I’ll recommend it to not only music lovers, but also everyone interested in realistic movies that will make them think about life opportunities and one-time chances.

Journal Article Review - Phonemic Awareness Essay

Journal Article Review - Phonemic Awareness - Essay Example Performance of other abilities such as sound-based tasks and other related activities can be performed. Although this is the case there are differences in the performance of children with CI and those with normal hearing capabilities. In terms of the phonological awareness (PA) for children with CI, learning phase that is protracted and long can be observed. Controlled tasks and revealed no significant difference from the normal children (Spencer and Tomblin, 2008). Based on the objective of the study that is to present a comparative analysis in the different hearings properties such as phonological awareness in relation to CI use, it can be perceived that the research conducted was able to achieve such goal. The exercises and tests that had been undertaken can be considered simple yet were able to clearly present the needed data. Variation in the use of tasks to test the hypotheses can also be observed in the research undertaken. These characteristics of the results are important in the characterization of the success of the study. It can be perceived that the methodology had been able to cover the possible points that are needed to be included in the area under study. Aside from the methodology undertaken, the presentation of the data and the analysis of the results had been presented in a commendable manner. Important characteristics of the organization of data are simple, clear and can easily be analyzed and understood. The presentation and development of the paper can also be considered important. For the said paper, the ideas and concepts had been developed and presented clearly and segregated properly for better understanding. The presentation of pertinent data related to phonological awareness is also essential. Included in the tasks under study are rhyming tasks, blending words task and Elision task which are determinants of the capabilities of the CI children in relation to learning how to read (Spencer and Tomblin, 2008). These

Expanding of Businesses Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Expanding of Businesses - Assignment Example In this similar context, one of the chief factors related to exporting which needs to be considered by the small firms is to concentrate on sales activities for exporting in markets having better performance as compared to firms pursuing strategies in isolation. There are various reasons for firms engaging in expansion on global basis that include exploiting the unique knowledge possessed by the firms and potentially reducing costs through development scale of economies or through leveraging resources (Brouthers & et. al., 2009). In order to determine the major factors that a small organisation has to consider before commencement of exporting, it has been viewed that the notion of export planning plays a decisive part in the commencement of exporting. In this regard, it can be affirmed that export planning might assist a firm towards accessing the potential of mitigating uncertainties and complexities related to exporting. Another key factor related to exporting for small firms is fo rmation of strategic alliances with trustful partners. This step could be beneficial for small organizations to maintain effective performance in long run (Sengupta & et.al., 1999). It can also be stated that through proper research of market, it is quite possible to make a thorough assessment of the markets resulting in acquiring a brief idea about the market nature. Efficient distribution and shipping assists smaller firms in exporting as an organization finds an appropriate market that has reasonable demand and regulations and bears no entry barriers that eventually results in smooth conduct of business (Samuels, 2013). It can be stated that the small organisations needed to consider certain key factors prior to their commencement of exporting. In this similar concern, the small organisations strongly believe that they can attain significant benefits from considering the factors before commencing exporting. The benefits comprise raising sales along with revenues, minimizing risks , enlarging life-cycle of the products and most significantly penetrating into new business markets among others (Tekle, 2013). After acquiring a brief idea about the benefits that can acquire by the small organisations, it can be affirmed from a broader perspective that they need to consider a particular chief factor concerning building an effective corporate international image prior to the commencement of exporting. It has often been viewed that financial risks generally occurs while carrying out transactions on an international basis. Thus, on the basis of the above discussion, it can be stated that the small organisations must consider certain other major factors like adopting as well as executing planning dimensions, conducting proper analysis of market and concentrating much upon product pricing and quality prior to the commencement of exporting (Tekle, 2013). Question 2 It has been apparently observed that the business organisations belonging to this modern day context tends to invest substantially in abroad for the purpose of raising profitability, overall productivity, business reputation and most significantly attaining superior competitive position. However, relating to this context, it can be observed that a business organisation when investing abroad often has the difficult choice of either buying an existing facility or building a new facility. This can be owing to the reason

Cultural pluralism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cultural pluralism - Essay Example Wade thinks al-Qaeda forms due to rich as well as poor differences. For example, the leader Osama may be rich but fellow al-Qaeda may not be. The culture of America is much modernized, but for most uncivilized people especially from Africa, some of the things seem to mean as they view from televisions’ programs. They conclude that that’s how the American people. Another example is where the people in the Middle East believe America’s values are questionable. Carmel Abdul Nasser had a dream of a Pan-Arabic country that was westernized. Corruption, however, led to its failure (Wade, p248).A lot of people are removed from a certain type of past and usually put in the future which is unclear. In development circumstances for example, when the expectancy of life is raised then mortality of infants reduces. It is not clear, however, what happens to these children as they turn into young adults or thereafter leading to low leaving standards. In Kenya, most youths after getting some literacy end up unemployed and thus dwell in slums in Nairobi and some hate their ancestral lifestyles. Throughout the world, people forget the old and traditions but the fact is that they have to struggle to survive. According to anthropology, people and cultures that are under stress bring forth ideologies which are strange or weird and unexpected.A sociologist from Harvard Daniel Bell wrote that the state of the nation is too small compared to the world’s big problems yet too big for the world’s small problems.... They conclude that that’s how the American people. Another example is where the people in the Middle East believe America’s values are questionable. Carmel Abdul Nasser had a dream of a Pan-Arabic country that was westernized. Corruption however, led to its failure (Wade, p248). A lot of people are removed from a certain type of past and usually put in a future which is unclear. In development circumstances for example, when the expectancy of life is raised then mortality of infants reduces. It is not clear however, what happens to these children as they turn into young adults or thereafter leading to low leaving standards. In Kenya, most youths after getting some literacy end up unemployed and thus dwell in slums in Nairobi and some hate their ancestral lifestyles. Throughout the world, people forget the old and traditions but the fact is that they have to struggle to survive. According to anthropology, people and cultures that are under stress bring forth ideologies w hich are strange or weird and unexpected. For example, the case of Boxers of China who beheaded and murdered missionaries and displayed these heads as well (Wade, p249). Wade on page 250 also says al-Qaeda does not have full Muslim faith and so is partly Muslim, partly not. A sociologist from Harvard Daniel Bell wrote that the state of the nation is too small compared to the world’s big problems yet too big for the world’s small problems. Modernization has led to changing in the cultures; even languages are not taught to the children. He also thinks that the past may end up defining the future and its culture. He gives the example of Archduke Ferdinand’s assassination that took place in 1914. This incidence may turn out to define the fate of two

NURSING LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT FIELD EXPERIENCE Essay

NURSING LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT FIELD EXPERIENCE - Essay Example Much worse is the fact that many patients are missed out of diagnosis that will follow the emergency care of these patients (Attard Biancardi, 2013). The American cardiology college, American heart association and the European society of cardiology, jointly recommended the minimum time of intervention on ST elevated myocardial infarction patient as 90 minutes from the time of medical contact (Brodie, et al. 2010). They went further to make it a policy used to predetermine the quality performance on patients with myocardial infarction by hospitals. The findings on the hospital performance are recorded in the registry hence used to assess the performance of the respective hospitals. However, from records obtained from hospitals participating in the national registry of myocardial infarction, there is a small percentage of compliance to the guidelines. For instance in the year 2009, there was 35 percent of patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction attended to within the first 90 minutes and less than 15 percent of the participating hospitals had a median of 90 minutes in the time taken to attend to the these patients as Correi a, et al.(2013) observed . Willson et al. (2010) established that there are different subgroups of patients that are more susceptible to delays than others are. For example, most patients that are brought in during the off hours (weekends and during the night) experience more delays than those brought in during the day and the week. Second are the patients referred forms other facilities of acute care, since there is a problem in coordinating the two facilities on the emergency basis. According to the observations made by Cheskes et al. (2011), every minute of delay in patient with STEMI affects one-year mortality. In fact, the 1-year mortality rate is elevated by over 7.5 percent for every 30 minutes delay as observed by Pitta, et al. (2010). Explanation

Nigeria civil war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nigeria civil war - Essay Example By such a level of analysis, this student hopes to explain the conflict more fully. The â€Å"Who and What† of Boko Haram: Founded in 2001, the rebel Boko Haram is a Salafist Islamic insurgency that wants to overthrow the existing democratically elected government of Nigeria and replace it with a government founded upon Sharia’ah law. This particular group was founded in 2001 by Mohammed Yusuf. Keeping in line with the radical level of Islamic groups that exist throughout the world beginning at the turn of the 21st century, Yusef saw the existing Nigerian government as corrupt, worldly, and unrepresentative of the Islamic communities that live throughout northern reaches of Nigeria. In trying to understand the Nigerian Civil War to a more complete degree, one should understand the fact that Nigeria is a multiethnic, multiracial, and multi-religious society (Nwenta, 2013). A large percentage of Nigeria is Christian; whereas a large minority is Muslim. It should not be un derstood that the entire Muslim population supports Boko Haram. However, a great deal of support has been generated for Boko Haram within territory that it occupies due to repression, threats, and a certain level of approval on the part of the general population. The Government and Natural Resource Wealth: From the government perspective, it must be understood that Nigeria is a resource rich territory. The government has been able to fund its activities and provide basic services to its population due to the fact that it gains a high level of revenue from these natural resources. This is both a blessing and a curse due to the fact that the Islamic insurgency is interested in getting its hands on the revenue from the economy. In order to understand the Civil War to a more effective degree, it must also be understood that neither side of this particular struggle is ultimately representative of the â€Å"good† or the â€Å"bad† (Yenta, 2013). Two Sides to a Bloody Situati on: Whereas it is true that Boko Haram has been responsible for many tragedies, such as murdering entire villages and/or killing indiscriminately based only upon religion, the governmental response to this separatist movement/civil war has been equally heavy-handed. Many examples exist of the government forces indiscriminately murdering large groups of people due to the fact that they supported or gave refuge in some way shape or form to Boko Haram. This ultimately is a counterproductive effort on the part of the strategic resolution to the Nigerian Civil War. Due to the fact that the government response has been so heavy-handed, it has oftentimes turned individuals away from the government into the arms of Boko Haram. In order to understand this insurgency to a more full and complete degree, it is necessary to understand the disillusionment that has taken place within Nigeria. Many individuals involved in the Civil War have only come to be involved due to the fact that they no long er believe that the government can have a positive impact in their lives. In this way, they turn to Boko Haram as a way of seeking to find another path in the process of nation building. Many outside nations have tried to provide support for the government; however, the level of corruption and the failure of government forces to be able to secure their own territory

Stoke Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Stoke - Essay Example nt clinical condition which requires proper management and intervention as it is the third leading reason associated with deaths in the United Kingdom. It is also the most important cause of disability in the country. Stroke has been defined by the World Health Organization in the year 1978 as a pathological condition in which signs are observed with regard to alterations in the cerebral activities which persist for a period of more than 24 hours and can even result in the death of the patient. The condition results due to reasons associated with the blood flow and are related to the vascular flow to the brain only (Mc Govern et al 2003).   Stroke is mainly divided into two forms with one resulting as a result of an infarct and is hence referred to as an ischemic stroke and it may also occur due to haemorrhage and it is then known as hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke that is prevalent with 85 percent of the cases presenting with this form of stroke. Ischemic stroke results due to the cardioembolic reasons which fibrillation of the atria or the formation of an embolus due to infective endocarditis. It can also result due to atheroembolic reasons which include carotid atheroma and occlusion of the cerebral artery. Diabetic vasculopathy as well as vasculitis is also associated with this condition. On the other hand hemorrhagic stroke may result due to aneurysm and hypertensive disease of the arteries. In at least 25 percent of the patients who report with stroke, atrial fibrillation is considered to be present which indicates the fact that the formation of the clot might have occurred i n the left atrium which then gets detached and obstructs the carotid arteries. In a patient with myocardial infarction, there is a tendency for the formation of clots which might also result in stroke. Atheromas are also associated with resultant stroke. Raised blood pressure, diabetes and high levels of cholesterol in the blood are associated with

Marketing 100 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing 100 - Research Paper Example Sanitarium claims that its Weet-Bix wheat biscuits are an ideal breakfast food because it fulfills calorie needs and energy requirements. Indeed, the major ingredients include fibre, fat and sugar (low), vitamins, milk, zinc, magnesium, folate and iron (Product Review, 2010). The Sanitarium Company offers its products at all retail stores, grocery shops and online stores for convenience of buyers across Australia and New Zealand. The company uses competitive pricing strategy because of highly competitive nature of food and confectionary industry. The prices range from $1 – 10 because of differences in flavours, sizing and quantity. In simple words, the prices will remain competitive because there is greater threat of substitute products from existing companies such as Kelloggs, Uncle Toys, House brands, Nestle and other small scale producers and marketers. It is worthwhile to mention that Kelloggs has been marketing Nutri-grain, Cheerios, Coco Pops and Nesquik in Australian market. In conclusion, there is stiff competition that keeps prices affordable for consumers from different social classes (Demo Design Report, 2006). The Sanitarium Company has already expanded its operations all across Australia because of an efficient distribution and supply chain network. The company supplies its product to all retail and commercial stores, grocery houses, medicine shops and online stores. In this way, Sanitarium has increased market reach of Weet-Bix product and has attracted maximum customers towards its brand. In addition, the company focuses on efficient supply because the Utility of Place and Time play a vital role in success of any food product. Sanitarium has inducted a new eCargo system to ensure flexibility in distribution channels, to reduce human error and to facilitate record keeping, freight and inventory management (Ecargo Report, 2010). The company

Green Eyed Monster Essay Example for Free

Green Eyed Monster Essay As I got closer to the massive, muddy, mysterious green eyed monster, his one eye took the whole of his face. In the jungle of Africa where the atmosphere was silent, I heard a loud growl in the silent, small, smelly jungle. I never reacted to the loud growl. I thought it was a lorry or something but as I got closer to the monster, it had his gigantic mouth opened, as if it was a part of the jungle and it was camouflaged, so it would blend in with the trees of the jungle. This is a very famous place. People from all around the world have visited this mysterious jungle in Africa. I have read about this place, it is in the south of Africa, which has lots of gold, so many countries are linked to this continent. Why is it called the green eyed monster? My opinion on ‘’why is it called a green eyed monster’’ is that It’s green and it only has one eye, which is very spooky, so it makes people who have not seen a one eyed monster before so it makes them want to see the green eyed monster. That is my opinion on why it is called a green eyed monster. The green eyed monster is about 5ft wide and 4ft long it has massive feet which are about 1.5ft wide and 1ft long and his one eye covers  ¾ of his face which is a lot of space. His huge eyes are filled with blood, which is dripping every second to the ground and it makes a really loud dripping noise. I could smell the sweat and the horrible smell of the green eyed monster I could also taste a horrible taste in my mouth which reminds me of a monster which has lived there for many years and hasn’t had a bath or a shower. I have read about the green eyed monster and the history of it is really interesting. It was used to carry 500 tonnes of gold in Africa many years ago. It was also used for public transport. It could carry 700 people to one place and back within 5 minutes, which normally, on a lorry or bus, it would take around 45 minutes. It would probably take the space of 20 football pitches but as we now know it would only take around 4 pitches due there being very less people ; the green eyed monster would have probably killed them or eaten them so I have read there are no people in the space of 400 miles. I have also read that there was a blue eyed monster and there are many rumours going around such as (the green eyed monster is the blue eyed monster but It hasn’t had anything to eat for 6 months so it turned blue due to the starvation.) I have also heard that green eyed monster had a son and it was called the blue eyed monster. As we can see the green eyed monster has only one eye therefore it has to be related to the blue eyed monster. As we got closer to the green eyed monster it had developed and made his growl louder and his mouth was shining so bright you could go blind looking at it for more than 5minutes. It was like seeing green stars and suddenly it collapsed and it was not breathing or growling, but I got closer and I couldn’t hear anything so there is no green eyed monster.

Childhood Obesity Essay Example for Free

Childhood Obesity Essay Pro: My opinion is that parents should be blamed for their childs obesity, whether it be partially or fully, they do influence their childs weight. The parents of children are the ones who provide food for them, so they have direct control of what their child is consuming, so they should be able to help their child maintain a healthy weight. Parents also have control over what their children do, resulting in the fact that parents could enroll their child in an excersize program or at least stop them from sitting around inside all day. This debate is not focused on those who gain weight due to disease; it is focusing on children becoming obese due to food consumption. Con: I really disagree that parents should be blamed for their childs obesity. Its not like the parents are shoving the food down their childs throats. Kids are soley responsible for what they consume. Kids dont just eat at home. They can eat at school, with their friends at McDonalds, ect. So childrens parents arent the main influences in what thier children eat. Pro: Its not like the parents are shoving the food down their childs throats The parents are, however, buying the majority of food that their children eat. Kids are soley responsible for what they consume. Their parents are the ones who buy the food that is available at home, so how could the children be soley responsibe? They can eat at school The majority of schools have supplied healthy foods for students due to rapidly increasing rates of obesity; also, have you considered the many students who bring food from home? Con: Yes some schools do supply healthy food choices but that is only as far as i know for 1/3 of the schools population. And have you considered that schools have alternatives to just a tray lunch such as, as its referred to at my school Ale Cart. Which includes fries, burgers, nachos, everything you can find on the McDonalds Menu. So the parents buy what the kids eat at home but parents do pay attention to what they do buy their kids for food. not every parent buys their kids Fruit by the Foot, Tootsie Pops, and all that other junk that causes childhood obesity. So the parents can and do enforce healthy eating habits!!!!!!!!! Pro: not every parent buys their kids Fruit by the Foot, Tootsie Pops, and all that other junk that causes childhood obesity. Then again, not every child is obese. The parents who carelessly buy fattening foods and leave it in the house already influence what their children will eat, because why choose to eat vegetables when junk food is lying there? Children do not understand this, and therefore will eat the food that is bought by their parents. The majority of children do not eat their food outside of home except for at school, and at school, I know that many countries are opting for a change in food, and this will probably happen. Also, once again, parents could urge their children to excersize or play outside instead of sitting around all day Con: Okay many countries are opting for healthy food but that hasnt happened yet so as of now its not there. And how can parents urge their kids to play outside or whatever when their busy buying food thats not good for their kids as you previously stated!!!! And I know you said we arent debating with diseases and stuff but it is an inevitable fact that obesity is in the gene pool. So like its already in the genes and the parent has no controll over that. So how is it the parents fault?!?!?!?!? And this is off the subject but do you have any idea where i can find decent Values and Value Criterion for school debate cases!?!?!?!?! And how can kids play outside when they have homework!?!?!?!?! Where I go to school there is alot to be tackled; like the debate case I have to have done by 4th period tommorow for instance. Pro: And I know you said we arent debating with diseases and stuff Then why bring it up? I clearly stated in my opening statement that we are not debating about diseases and such, but food consumption. Therefore, for everything mentioned about diseases, I will call it out as invalid. And how can kids play outside when they have homework!?!?!?!?! How do people do extra curricular activites? Homework, on average, takes up thirty minutes to two hours for an elementary school, and perhaps one hour to two hours for gifted. Most schools release children from school around 3:00. This leaves them with four hours at the LEAST with the maximum amount of homework. And how can parents urge their kids to play outside or whatever when their busy buying food thats not good for their kids as you previously stated!!!! Parents do not spend their lives in grocery stores; they could at least mention excersize OR allow them to do extracurricular activities after school. However, when parents notice that their child is obese, they should at least try to change their lifestyle a bit, because a familys lifestyle really does make a difference for a childs weight. Who directs the familys way of life? The parents. Where I go to school there is alot to be tackled Based on your profile, it says that you are in highschool. Highschool is VERY different than elementary school in the amount of work and such people get. Parents are at fault for their childs obesity because they buy the food. They are in charge of what their children do, and they lead the lifestyle of their children. Children need excerize and healthy food. Parents are responsible for both areas. Lack of these things will cause obesity. Parents have control over this, and can stop it. Childrens schools are not guilty, because the majority are changing their menu to stop the rapid growth rate of obesity. Fast food places do hold a bit of the blame, but like my opponent has said before, its not like theyre shoving food down the kids throats. My opponent has failed to prove any clear points as to why parents should NOT be blamed for obesity; he has only provided counter-arguments. Hopefully he will state many points in the final round.

International Business Environment Of Countries Hg Operates Economics Essay

International Business Environment Of Countries Hg Operates Economics Essay To identify and gain an understanding of the environment for international business in Germany, several factors will be reviewed. A countrys geography, culture, population demographics as well as political and economic structure can all play a role in either contributing to or working against the existence of a climate favourable to international business. By examining issues such as Germanys participation in area economic integration, its attitude toward foreign direct investment and its participation Germanys Geography Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with almost 83 million people inhabiting 357,022 square kilometres of land. The country consists of 16 federal states and 32 kingdoms, principalities and small towns. The countryside is quite diverse with five major landscape types, including sandy beaches along the North and Baltic Seas, hills and lakes in the North German Plain, numerous islands, fertile lands, lowland bays, and mountain ranges in the Alps.    The Bavarian plateau in the southwest averages 1,600 feet above sea level, while its highest point, the Zugspitze   Mountains, reaches 9,721 feet. Germanys major rivers are the Danube, the Elbe, the Oder, the Weser, and the Rhine. Natural resources present include iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt and nickel.   Ã‚   Germanys Population Demographics The estimated 2006 population of Germany is 82,422,299 with a population growth rate of -0.02% Balance of Trade Germany continues to be a very export focused, as noted below in its current account balance. Germany exports account for more than one-third of national output. Although production costs within Germany are very high it continues to be a top exporter of goods. German export sales are concentrated in motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, and heavy electrical equipment. France is Germanys second-largest trading partner, with the U.S. being the second largest. Trade with the U.S. totalled $89.1 billion in 2002; U.S. exports to Germany totalled $26.6 billion while U.S. imports from Germany totalled more than $62.5 billion. Foreign Debt Obligations Germanys focus on being a lead exporter lends it to continue to carry a positive trade/debt ratio compared to that of competing countries such as the U.S. Estimates based on 2005 data show that the U.S. continues to run a current account deficit compared to that of Germany. Germany continues to run a positive current account balance; this has been one of the factors supporting the increase of the euro compared to that of the dollar. World Trade Organization Involvement Germany was one of the inaugural members of the World Trade Organization founded in January of 1995. Today it remains committed to promoting multilateral trade and in 2000 began a series of contributions to the WTOs technical assistance and training activities.    Germanys most recent donation of EUR 1.7m in 2006 makes it the second biggest voluntary contributor to the WTO. Currency of Germany Germany is the worlds third-largest economy and the largest in Europe, but has recently been one of the slowest growing economies in the European Union for a number of reasons including: the continued integration of the eastern German economy, inflexible labour practices which continue to increases unemployment rates to 11.7%, taxation and high social insurance cost.    The bureaucracy associated with labour practices have led German employers to consider investing in oversee operations or automating production rather than to create jobs in domestic facilities.   Historically Germanys main currency was the Deutschmark, but in 1999 the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used within its members financial institution and by January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for all member countries. As of the November 30, 2006 the euro was trading at 1.3167 compared to that of the U.S. dollars, this is an increase over the 2005 average of .8041. (Yahoo Finance)    Due to the creation of the euro it is difficult to determine Germanys overall impact on this increase of the euro compared to that of the dollar, however, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) information illustrates Germanys dramatic impact on the increase. Although Germany has experienced a high level of unemployment in recent years, 11.7% in 2005, it continues to hold a major labour force of approximately 43 million; Analysing the above data shows that although the growth rate has been low in recent years Germany has experienced a relatively stable economy with the potential to increase it performance. Conclusion Although Germany has experienced recent slow economic growth and the cost of producing goods is higher than other foreign countries, Germany offers an environment that strongly supports international business, evidence of this includes the presence of a highly skilled and productive worker force and its prime location in the heart of Europe. Investing in Germany appears to be a sound business decision; various incentive packages can offset real costs as well as provide tax incentives in future years. To help structure a successful integration with German consumers, companies should ensure that they have a high quality innovative product. Culturally, German consumers do not focus on the cost of a product but are extremely focused on the quality of a product. Promising sectors to consider for international business opportunities in Germany include computer software, management consulting services, drug and pharmaceuticals, and telecommunication equipment.   United Kingdom Major Elements and Dimensions of Culture in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom is rich in cultural heritage. The country is a tourist destination known for its landscape, art galleries, architecture, parks, palaces and museums.    Although the sites are remarkable, the culture is distinctive.    In the United Kingdom, their culture is considered a reflection of their diversity. Languages The official language of the United Kingdom is English which is said to be spoken by 95% of the population.    Although the Unites States speaks English as well, they are very different.    The dialects are not only different between the United Kingdom and the United States; they are also very different between the regions in the United Kingdom.    The American English and the British English are the reference forms of English that recognized in the rest of the world. Economic value The United Kingdom is the third largest trading and financial center in Europe.    Over the past few years, the United Kingdom has been focused on growth of the economy and reduction within the social welfare system. The government of the United Kingdom has been researching possible ways to stimulate the economy; however, they are currently facing economic slowdown, high unemployment, declining home prices and increased consumer debt.    The rate changes in the United Kingdom are driven by the rate moves of the Bank of England; this is similar to the moves that are driven in the United States by the Federal Reserve (The economy of, 2010). When doing business with the United Kingdom, it is first necessary to determine whether you have established a presence with your business activities.    If your business with the United Kingdom is simply exporting goods, then there is no a presence established.    If there is a permanent base in the United Kingdom, then the a business has a permanent establishment that will require consideration which will possibly be taxable in the United Kingdom, if business is conducted from that base with regularity (Bryan Cave, 2009). If a permanent establishment is created there are additional considerations the United States based company must consider. The United Kingdom has a tax system has gone through many changes.    It is based on an income system, much like that of the United States.    When a business has been permanently established in the United Kingdom they are subject to taxation in the same way that the local businesses are.    The tax systems measures the rates based on cash flow, instead of profits as it has been in the past.    According to a study of King and Fullerton the corporate tax rate for the United Kingdom has changed consistently since the war.    They have continued to experiment with the rates with legislative approval.    In addition to the corporate taxes, they also have social security tax and capital gains tax. Banking It is important to understand that to conduct business in the United Kingdom will be required to establish a local bank account.    Due to increased issues surrounding corruption and money laundering, the United Kingdom establishes the Money Laundering Regulations. As a result of this program, the banks in the United Kingdom have undertaken a process for due diligence, which is required as part of this law Imports and exports Since the beginning of 2011, UKs monthly trade deficit has hit record levels of more than  £4 billion per month. The monthly deficit in the UK for 2011 is also exceeding the previous record level of  £3.5 billion per month reached in 2007. Total value of exports: US$405.6 billion. Primary exports commodities: manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages, tobacco. Primary exports partners: US (14.71 percent), Germany (11.06 percent), France (8 percent), Netherlands (7.79 percent), Ireland (6.89 percent), Belgium (4.65 percent), Spain (4 percent) Total value of imports: US$546.5 billion Primary imports commodities: manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs Conclusion Scanning the business environment is an activity that needs to be conducted on a continual basis by all international businesses. The reasons are diverse when dealing with countries risks. When global companies enter into the international arena, consistent efforts must be made to understand the ever-changing business climate in each country that they are involved in .Thus company objectives and policies must be aligned accordingly to meet these changes. In dealing with country risk, strategic usage of joint ventures and partnerships may be used to minimize the risk involved. P2  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Describe how the following mechanisms regulate international trade: the work of the WTO in international trade; Quotas and Tariffs; The legislation on product safety and reliability. WTO The WTO as an Organization was created on January 1, 1995, as a result of the Uruguay Round Negotiations. Currently consisting of 140 members worldwide, it is based with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and has a secretary staff of over five hundred. The organization of the WTO consists of a head Ministerial Conference, with branches of a General Council, Trade Review Body, and Dispute Settlement Body. Below these branches lie several councils and committees to deal with many different trade issues. One branch consists of a committee with the name Trade and the Environment, which concerns itself with issues relating to trade and the environment. Overseeing the organization of the WTO is the director-general, currently Michael Moore. The basis for all WTO decisions lies in its multilateral trading system, where a large amount of agreements that are negotiated and signed by members must finally be ratified in each countrys individual Senate. While the individual agreements are signed and ratified by each countrys government, the primary purpos e of the legislation is to assist the countrys producers, exporters, and importers. The overall goal of the WTO is to make trade freer, resulting in, claims the WTO, a promotion of peace worldwide, an increase in income and a stimulation of economic growth. As part of its preamble, the WTO claims an interest in the environment, and thus created the Committee on Trade and the Environment to make decisions when environmental issues are involved. The preamble itself states it will promote trade while allowing for the optimal use of the worlds resources in accordance with the objective of sustainable development, seeking both to protect and preserve the environment. The organization, in the past few years, however, has encouraged a lower tariff universally, thereby encouraging producers to look towards less developed countries as prime places for cheap labour and low regulations, especially low regulations relating to the environment. These less developed countries, or LDCs, are known u niversally for having very cheap, productive labour, and are not even close to having the environmental protection efforts seen in the United States and Europe. So these countries are encouraged to make waste of the land and save profits. Yet the WTO maintains that freer trade will benefit all, and their concern for the environment is shown in the existence of a council concerned with only environmental matters. The tariffs   The discussion of tariffs covers both tariffs on quantities within quotas and those outside. Traditionally, the tariff reductions that resulted from trade negotiations came from bilateral product-by-product bargaining, or they were based on formulas that applied over a broad range of products, or combinations of the two. How the reductions will be handled in the present negotiations is still undecided. Some countries such as Canada and the US are advocating that in addition, sectoral liberalization should be negotiated. In some sectors, in past negotiations these have sometimes meant zero-for-zero deals. It would include negotiating the complete elimination of tariffs (and possibly other measures such as export subsidies or subsidized export credits) by at least the key WTO members in specific sectors such as oilseeds, and barley and malt. Some countries for example Japan have said they do not support this. One country, the US, has gone so far as to argue that because so many agricultural tariffs are high, the negotiations to reduce tariffs should start with applied rates (the tariffs governments actually charge on agricultural imports) and not the generally higher bound rates (the legally binding ceilings committed in the WTO as a result of previous negotiations). This has proved quite controversial because it would break a tradition of basing negotiations on bound rates. A number of countries have also countered that they should be given credit for unilaterally applying tariffs that are more liberal than the negotiated bound rates, instead of being forced to make even deeper cuts than countries that kept to their higher bound rates. Some countries that recently joined the WTO also feel that they accepted low tariffs in order to become members and therefore should not have to reduce them much further. A number of developing countries also complain that they face difficulty if they try to increase their incomes by processing the agricultural raw materials that they produce. This is because the countries they see as potential export markets impose higher duties on processed imports than on the raw materials known as tariff escalation in order to protect their own processing industries. Some countries see tariffs and other import barriers as necessary in order to protect domestic production and maintain food security. For this reason, some countries are linking lower import barriers with disciplines on other countries export restraints and export taxes if producing countries do not restrict their exports, then importing countries can feel more secure about being able to obtaining food from them. Some developing countries say they need flexibility in deciding the level of import duties they charge to protect their farmers against competition from imports whose prices are low because of export subsidies. The tariff quotas Quota administration is a technical subject, but it has a real impact on trade on whether a product exported from one country can gain access to the market of another country at the lower, within-quota tariff. Methods used for giving exporters access to quotas include first-come, first-served allocations, import licensing according to historical shares and other criteria, administering through state trading enterprise, bilateral agreements, and auctioning. The terms can also specify time periods for using the quotas, for example periods of time for applying for licences, or for delivering the products to the importing countries. Exporters are sometimes concerned that their ability to take advantage of tariff quotas can be handicapped because of the way the quotas are administered. Sometimes they also complain that the licensing timetables put them at a disadvantage when production is seasonal and the products have to be transported over long distances. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and many WTO members acknowledge that it can be difficult to say conclusively whether one method is better than another. Several countries want the negotiations to deal with tariff quotas: to replace them with low tariffs, to increase their size, to sort out what they consider to be restricting and non-transparent allocation methods, or to clarify which methods are legal or illegal under WTO rules in order to provide legal certainty. Who has tariff quotas?  Ã‚   43  WTO members currently have a combined total of 1,425  tariff quotas in their commitments. The numbers in brackets show how many quotas each country has. Australia (2) Barbados (36) Brazil (2) Bulgaria (73) Canada (21) Chile  (1) China  (10) Chinese Taipei (10) Colombia (67) Costa Rica (27) Croatia (9) Czech Rep (24) Dominican Rep (8) Ecuador (14) El Salvador (11) EU (87) Guatemala (22) Hungary (70) Iceland (90) Indonesia (2) Israel (12) Japan (20) Korea (67) Latvia (4) Lithuania (4) Malaysia (19) Mexico (11) Morocco (16) New Zealand (3) Nicaragua (9) Norway (232) Panama (19) Philippines (14) Poland (109) Romania (12) Slovak Republic (24) Slovenia (20) South Africa (53) Switzerland (28) Thailand (23) Tunisia (13) United States (54) Venezuela (61) P3  Describe  how the environment and culture of another country affects HGs business operations.  You are asked to present a PEST (L) analyse on both the Netherlands and China. PEST Analyse The Kingdom of the Netherlands General Facts Full name: The Kingdom of the Netherlands Population: 16.6 million Capital: Amsterdam; seat of government: the Hague   Dependencies: Aruba, Netherlands Antilles Location: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany Area: 41,864 sq km (16,164 sq miles)   Major language: Dutch Major religion: Christianity   Export commodities: Machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs GDP per Capita: $ 47,042 Political Risk Factors Political Structure Analysis   The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy (since 1815) and a parliamentary democracy (since 1848). Dutch monarch has no real political power: from the representative side head of state (Queen Beatrix), from the executive side person uniting the divided parliamentary politics. Thus, the Netherlands is usually governed by an alliance of different political parties. Prime minister comes from the party, which won the most seats in the elections, and forms the new government. These days Dutch government is in uncertain situation due to its collapse in mid-February 2010. Whichever government alliance comes to power after the June 2010 election will continue to focus on managing the after-effects of the political and financial crisis. Limits of press freedom Dutch constitution guarantee freedom of the press, as is free speech. Moreover, journalists dont present flagrant news in the light of tabloid sensationalism. But government limits press freedom establishing rules especially regarding countrys secret service. Every day there is papers confrontation with the government. Journalists have to make out where are secret information and not. And government needs to clarify free speech statement. Key Internal Political Risks Political unrest in the light of financial crises. Decision-making of financial crises results is held up at least until the general election in June due to the collapse of the government in mid-February. The two main parties failed to agree on whether or not to withdraw troops from Afghanistan as planned in 2010 and it served the main reason for government breakup. Indeed, the future of a new road pricing suggestion (the kilometre tax), based on charging motorists for the distance and time driven, has become uncertain. This scheme has been hanging in the air since its initiator, Mr Eurlings, has announced his departure from the political scene and this question hasnt got its following consideration. The kilometre tax question isnt a sole problem that previous government hasnt had time to solve them. New solutions of residual tasks will be founded when new government comes to the office. Corruption and private property Private property and contracts are secure. There is no difference between citizens and foreigners purchasing real property. Although intellectual property rights are generally protected, there is piracy of optical disc media as everywhere. Government needs to increase arrangements against these criminal organizations. Corruption is on the minimal level. So the Netherlands ranks 6th place among 180 countries in Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index (2009). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Developments    Anti-Bribery Convention leads struggle against corruption by penal offense. However low-level law pressure corruption doesnt have to allow government to relax its attention regarding corruption. Key External Political Risks The Netherlands Antilles as a part of the Netherlands The Netherlands Antilles are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and acknowledge the Dutch monarch. In comparison with its motherland, the Netherlands Antilles dont have very low political risk. In 2010, Curacao and St. Maarten (two largest islands whose production accounts more 70% of GDP) will achieve independence from the rest of the islands and the Netherlands Antilles probably will desist to exist because of    financial insolvency (poor tax collection and high social spending contribute). Economic Risk Factors The Netherlands has one of the most advanced economies in the world, which is modern and diversified, with institutional strengths in the sphere of legal framework and impregnability of property rights. Exports and imports account more than 60 % of nominal GDP. Strategic geographic position and a small size of its domestic market play a key role on the world arena and by attracting foreign investments. The Netherlands showed significant economic performance and GDP growth in the nineties. The economys main focus is export commodities. Dutch trade mainly comprises chemical products, fossil fuels and agricultural products, machinery and transport equipment. Exports contributed 70 % of GDP in 2000 in comparison with 58.3 % of GDP in 1996. In 2001 the rate of GDP decreased sharply and the economy didnt see growth improvements at all in 2002-2003. Cyclical shock was caused by lower rates of export growth as part of the global economic slowdown. 2006 however, showed a promising 3% growth, which steadily accelerated to 3.5 % in 2007. The economy still grew 2 % in 2008, but due to global financial crisis the economic activity had been shrinking; exports and imports dropped rapidly in 2009, by 8.4 % and 8.9 % respectively. The Public Sector Fiscal policy in the Netherlands is designed to reduce taxes and to create a favorable climate for business investors. The Income Tax of 2001 represented significant tax cuts since the war. Total tax revenue was 37.5% of GDP (2005), which is below the EU average. In January 2007 Dutch government has deducted corporate tax to 25.5%. The following tax reform gave international companies a green light for FDI in the Dutch economy. Dividend tax has also been diminished from 25% to 15% and a patent box with a 10% tax rate on income from innovations was proposed. The Dutch tax system combines 30% tax break for top qualified foreign workers, wide tax treaty network and participation exemption. The Monetary Sector The Netherlands joined economic and monetary union on January 1st 1999. European Central Bank controls monetary policy and sets interest rates in euro zone. The Netherlands is a member of the euro zone. Inflation level between 2006 and 2008 has been relatively low, averaging 2% and is expected to stay low at about 1.5% in the coming years.   Refinancing rate was raised by 25 basis points eight times to 4 % since December 2005. Due to recent financial turmoil intervention rates have risen very rapidly to 4.7 %. Since 2009 these rates remain unchanged and likely to continue to do so in 2010. The External Sector The Netherlands had strongly positive balance of payments in 2005 estimated at à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬31.5 billion, because more than two-thirds of GDP was derived from merchandise trade. Top leading export markets in 2007 were Germany with 28.2 % of the total export share, Belgium with 15.6%, the United Kingdom with 10.5 % and France with 9.8%. Germany topped the list as leading supplier to the Netherlands with 20.5 % share of imported goods. From these figures it becomes obvious, that Germany is the most important trading partner of the Netherlands.    According to EIU World Investment Prospects foreign investments increased particularly in 2007 on a worldwide basis. Inward foreign direct investments to the Netherlands have skyrocketed from US$ 635 billion in 2007 to US$ 796 billion in 2010. (see Appendix 4) The Netherlands showed good results in co-operation with multinational companies from emerging industrial companies, like India, China and Korea. The Labour Market The Dutch labour market and welfare system is similar to the German model. Policy making and industrial relations are key elements in dealing with most issues. In recent years the labour market has become more flexible than in Germany. Labour regulations are relatively strict in the Netherlands. The non-salary cost of employing a worker is high, and dismissing an employee is costly and unenviable process. The pension system is financed by pension funds, which invest pension contributions in shares and other assets. One unique characteristic of the Netherlands labour market is a large number among women, who work at part-time jobs. The one and a half earner model has become very popular in Holland, in which man has a full-time job and a woman works part-time. The current labour market is in a structurally better position.   Social Risk Factors   Ã‚   Social Spectrum of Netherlands Introduction to Social Structure of Netherlands   The Netherlands is a country where native population is nearly 81%. Dutch society is tolerant to the homosexuality but undergo Islamic conflict. This country also is well-known for the most comprehensive system of social security in the EU. It is also one of the worlds most densely populated nations. As in many European countries, there is the tendency of growing 65s population that lead to greater demands on the welfare system. Facts of social structure of Netherlands: Population: 16,715,999   Age structure: 0-14 years: 17.4%;  15-64 years: 67.7%;  65 years and over: 14.9%   Median age: total: 40.4 years; male: 39.6 years female: 41.2 years   Population growth rate: 0.412%   Net migration rate: 2.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population   HIV/AIDS: people living with HIV/AIDS: 18,000   HIV/AIDS: deaths: fewer than 200   Ethnic groups: Dutch 80.7%, EU 5%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%, Surinamese 2%, Moroccan 2%, Netherlands Antilles Aruba 0.8%, other 4.8% Religions: Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2006) Key Social Risks   Over the past decade there is trend of the politicization of childhood which links with certain risks. In many countries, these risks are known as the new social risks (services for the elderly and disabled; services for families with children; active labour market policies). One of the reasons for it results from income and service gaps in post-industrial labour markets. This is one social risk of insufficient income security. Besides there has also been an increase in the female employment rate and virtually all adults are now expected to be involved in employment. (see Appendix 7) In addition, changes of labour markets and transformations of family and demography create challenges of social care (especially child care) when young families lack access to affordable and quality child care and yet all adults in the family must enter the labour force.   Demographic changes   Around 68% of its population is aged between 15 and 65. A short term risk Netherlands faces is the very low birth rate. Declining working population and low rate of migrant inflow are present these days. In the Netherlands, the legality of guest workers that arrived in the 1960s to work temporary for Dutch industries but never left the country afterwards leads the countrys current migrant labour situation and conflicts what link with it. The social care sector has some difficulties in immigration sphere. Government officials maintain that there is no demand for migrant labour in the social care sector, and hence there is wide field of activity for low-skilled labour. Religious restrictions   Nearly a half    (42%) of Netherlands citizens are atheists but Muslims are the main problem for the country . There is no evidence which suggests strict religious regulations in this country. In general, religious restrictions risk hence remains very low but government should continue improve situation regarding Islamic groups.   Technical Risk Factors Superior logistics and technology infrastructure The Netherlands is located in the center of Europe and provides a strategic location to run international businesses with global market leaders. Rotterdam is one of the worlds largest seaports and Schiphol Airport is considered as one of the busiest hubs in Europe.   The Netherlands is ranked as one of the most wired countries in the world, because of dynamic communications, e-commerce boom and outsourcing; but although the quality of transport and high speed Internet, cable communications network is fantabulous, the railway and road density thousand citizens is relatively low. Total government spending on rail, harbor, road and airport infrastructure improvements is one of top priorities and this plan is estimated to cost a total of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬37 billion. Highly qualified workforce The Netherlands labour market predominantly consists of highly educated and competent workers. Dutch prof

Thomas Paine and Common Sense :: Papers

Thomas Paine and Common Sense In early 1776 the sentiment surrounding the idea of revolution was evenly divided in Britain's colonies in America. The feelings were split evenly between those for a revolt, those opposing it and those who were neutral. In January 1776 Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense. The ideas and theories expressed in the pamphlet were very compelling and thorough. Compelling enough to sway much of the undecided colonists to agree that revolt is the necessary course of action. Paine states in the introduction to Common Sense "a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at fist a formidable outcry in defense of custom." This argument is not one of listing injustices or even reasons for revolt but it does provoke the reader to decide if his thoughts are genuine or from not thinking critically about the times and situations. Now that we my "suffer ourselves to examine the component parts of the English Constitution," the faults shall be found. Paine argues one theoretical position that could influence those loyal to the King himself. If the British constitution is a system of checks and balances and the commons are the check on the king then this infers, "That the king is not to be trusted." This brings to light an underlying fault with the way the British system of government is arranged. Paine is against a divided form of government. He feels that simpler government is best. That way the people know whom to hold responsible. He also feels the king did not get better with the creation of a chambered government only subtle. He later states that the system, "hath all the distinctions of an house divided against itself." He then again makes the argument that the loyalists have not opened their eyes to the faults of the British form of government. Paine says that those in favor of the current for m of government feel that way "more from national pride than reason." Paine contends that there is no reason to feel loyalty to Britain. He feels that all the actions of Britain are in its self-interest. He feels the colonies would not need defending if Britain would not bring its enemies to the colonies. There would not have been a French and Indian war because the colonies would not be enemies of the French.

Sumerian Culture :: essays research papers

While researching Sumerian culture I learned many interesting things that I was not aware of before. Many little known facts about Sumer will change the way that people feel about other ancient societies. Many advances that are not attributed to Sumeria, often were pioneered by this advanced culture long before others. Most people don't even know much about the origan of the Sumerian culture. The people who originally lived in Sumer in 4000 BC were not really Sumerians. Sumers original inhabitants were in fact Ubaidians. The Ubaidian culture was already quite advanced for that time, and had a large variety of unique farming techniques. Between 4000 and 3000 BC Sumer was infiltrated by many nomadic tribes. This constant movement of peoples caused a cross-fertilization of culture. Technology from many different regions were becoming centralized in Sumer. So were different theological viewpoints. During this millennium the people that we think of as Sumerians moved into Sumer. These people originated near the Caspian sea and did not even arrive in Sumer until 3300 BC. When these people ended up in Sumer it created the worlds first "high civilization". All who lived in Sumer were now recognized as Sumerian, because Sumerian was the common language. Sumer, like most early middle-eastern nations, was in the fertile crescent. These small waterways provided excellant irrigation, and transportation. Sumer was one of the first large civilizations that had a very developed textile industry. Wool sheared from goats and sheep was made into garments. The usage of linen was reserved for only high priests and other dignitaries. Flax and wool was used for everyone else. Farming was also a very predominant industry in this nation. All of the mixed culture taught the Sumerians about many different farming methods. Sickles and other tools aided in the farming. The harvested grain was preserved in granaries and pots. This allowed grain to be shipped without spoiling or molding. All of the waterways in Sumeria allowed products to be shipped up and down rivers to other destinations. One popular shipping method was called the "Turnip". The turnip was a buoy shaped boat that was attached to a long rope. The turnip would float along in the water, while the merchant rode on horseback on a near by road. Transportation methods increased in efficiency and new types of them arrived during the Sumerian rule, for instance, more types of boats were invented, and the Sumerians introduced the sail to the world of travel. The wheel was also first implemented in the Sumerian nation. When these advanced forms of transportation were not available, people still used donkeys with baskets strapped to their sides. Iron working was used to create tools that aided

A Comparison of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Dead Poets Society :: comparison compare contrast essays

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Dead Poet's Society      Ã‚  Ã‚   As a human being we are constantly reminded in our life span to   "Live our lives to the fullest". At lease once in your life i'm sure you've heard of the saying "seize the day". It means you should live your life to the best of your abilities. You should strive to learn new things and live a satisfying life so you have no regrets in life. Many romantics strongly believe in this theory. They feel that you should take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and that there are so many good things in the world.   Our society today is a very realistic one. People get up in the mornings and go through their daily routine. They wake up, get ready, go to work, come home, eat dinner, go to bed and do the same thing over and over in their lifetime that many feel they have wasted their lives. Only when one sees this pattern and wants to change it can they have a more fulfilling life. Society is responsible for putting this ideal lifestyle into effect an d controlling our lives. In One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, by Ken Kesey, and the film Dead poets Society, there is a similarity in the main characters experiencing the realizations of society and its institutions, which are imposed by Nurse Ratchid and Mr. Noland. Nurse Ratchid and Mr. Noland are realists affected by society and therefore use conformity to their advantage of control. While the very romantic McMurphy and Mr. Keating rise up as leaders expressing individuality against conformity. The outspoken Bromden and Todd fight for freedom and responsibility ending in success as characters; all characters fighting against the institutions society has imposed.    When a person has to constantly make the rules something happens to them as a person. Nurse Ratchid is one who has been affected by society and has lost a part of herself. She hides all womanly aspects of her body because she has been lost in conformity. Because she treats them as machines she is compared to as a machine:      Her face is smooth, calculated, and precision-made, like an expensive baby doll, skin like flesh- colored enamel, blend of white and cream and baby-blue eyes, small nose, pink little nostrils-everything working together except the color on her lips and fingernails, and the size of her bosom.

Project Management E-Mail Essay

Our team was chosen by Mr. Wendell Deirelein, VP, to analyze three projects and give a recommendation of what company, Piper Industries Corp., should invest in. Our recommendation will include our selected project, a description of the five phases of the project and the key deliverables. Piper Industries Corp needs a completed project that would generate revenue within 12 months for the Project Management Office’s. After much review and evaluation we have selected the Project Code name: Stargazer as the project for investment next week by Piper Industries Corp., The Stargazer project has a massive research, and development on their new widgets, the company has spent $450,000 on this product and an estimated to bring in $575,000. Stargazer will be implemented by using the feasibility study. The feasibility study shows that this project has been evaluated and analysis of the potential of proposed project. Although, this product is not in production yet an extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision- making. The strengths and weaknesses of this proposed venture, opportunities and threats to carry out this project for its success. The feasibility is the cost required and the values attain to be successful. The risk of completion this project on time is high which will generate revenue within the 12 months. Our team feels that Stargazer will be an innovative money maker for Piper Industries Corp. The five phases of project management need to be fulfilled for a successful project. We have reviewed each phase and found that the following in regards to the Stargazer  project. Project initiation was completed by the feasibility studies, this project was named and defined, sponsors and stakeholders are deciding if they want to participate in this project. During the project planning phase, Stargazer has developed a plan for cost, scope, time, quality, communication, resources, and risk. This project is this first of its kind in the industry, therefore Stargazer will be seen as a leader in the marketplace. In the Project Execution phase, the project deliverable is developed and completed. This phase along with the project monitoring and control phase go hand in hand and are performed simultaneously. In this phase status meetings, project development updates, status reports, performance reports and human resource development are completed. The stargazer project product life is forecasted to be seven years for this product. Measuring Stargazer’s project performance and progression, calculating key performance indicators for cost and time to measure the degree of variation if any and in which case corrective measures are done in the project monitoring and control phase. Stargazer project is forecasted to have an ROI of $300,000 for the first year; $550,000 the second year and $750,000 the third year. The final phase of the project management is the project closure, in this phase tasks such as making the delivery, relieving resources, reward and recognitions of all the team members and the termination of contractors that were involve in the project. Piper Industries Corp. will have a closure ceremony for the project we selected and recognize all team members that took part in the planning of Stargaze, Piper Industries Corp. will host a launch party to announce that we will invest in Stargazer’s new widget product to be introduced into the marketplace in June, 2015.

Distortion and Literary Realism in Brave New World Essay

In the dystopian novel, Brave New World, Aldous Huxley presents a horrifying view of a future in which society has become imprisoned by the very technology it believed would bring freedom. Huxley’s distortion of technology, religion, and family values in Brave New World is far more persuading than his use of literary realism in depicting the savage reservation. Through distortion, Huxley is able to make his arguments more effectively, and cause speculation over whether or not what a person wishes for is actually what they truly desire. Huxley effectively uses distortion in Brave New World through his depiction of social values of the future. When Barnard Marx hears somebody talking about Lenina â€Å"as though she were a bit of meat,† he becomes upset (45). Leaving the building, both the Assistant Predestinator and Henry Foster recommend soma for his bad mood. Their reaction shows that drug use is becoming an increasingly acceptable way out for a weak society. The depiction of drug use shows that society is becoming emotionally incapable of dealing with pain and hurt. Furthermore, while speaking with the director of the London Hatchery, the students are disgusted and outraged when told that at one time people were viviparous. Huxley is trying to warn society that its lack of commitment and endurance will eventually be its downfall. The emotional ties between parents and children are severed due to the non-existence of mothers and fathers. An emotionless society feels no guilt, and if one feels no personal guilt, society as a whole will feel no guilt if it lets itself be destroyed. In addition, Lenina, when accused of lack of promiscuity by Fanny, fervently denies it. Lenina denies this because Monogamy requires commitment, pain, and work, all of which oppose the stability of her society. Huxley is distorting the problems of his time to create a prediction in which humans have progressed to a society of people who are unable to focus on anything but pleasure; unable to handle the work of a commitment or the pain of emotion. Huxley also uses distortion to bring attention to the importance of religion. Bernard Marx hurries and frets about being late to his orgy-porgy session not because he cares that he is running behind, but because he must keep up his appearance (79). The orgy-porgy session depicts a religion in which only  physical desires are fulfilled, leaving any emotional or intellectual needs to feed upon the individual. Huxley’s prediction of the church moving away from God and towards man is shockingly correct 70 years after his book was published. Church figures have appeared numerous times on the news for using the church for money, perversion, and sex. Furthermore, when Bernard and Lenina visit the reservation they are appalled at the religion of those on the Savage Reservation. Their reaction is a warning that lack of religious tolerance could be one of the greatest downfalls of our time. Thousands of men, women and children die in Middle Eastern Holy Wars, over nothing more than lack of religious tolerance. In addition, Lenina wears the sign of the T instead of a cross. While the cross represents faith, intangible, yet real if one believes in it, the T stands for technology, something that even the weak can believe in because it can always be seen. The presence of faith is a sign of a strong society; lack of faith a sign that a society is becoming weak. The most powerful distortion in -Brave New World is found in Huxley’s use of technology. The Director of the London Hatchery is very proud they have produced ninety-six buds from one egg. The joys and intimacy of motherhood have been replaced by the â€Å"benefits† of technology. The new society finds delight in being able to reproduce ninety-six identical people. There is no ambition, no individuality, no creativity; it is truly a bleak society. Furthermore, while the students are being given a tour of the hatchery, they are extremely impressed that children are not only decanted, but they are predestined also. Children grow up and know one job and no other, they are taught nothing but that one job. They aren’t allowed to dream and aren’t allowed to hope.   Due to the conditioning they are put through, they never even have the ability to think of how life might be better. In addition, Mustapha Mond, one of the seven world leaders, is referred to as His Fordness. Henry Ford is the god of the Brave New World. Society has replaced what is associated with beauty, nature, and creativity, with a man who invented the assembly line, a process designed to stamp out thousands of identical, interchangeable parts. Huxley’s distortion forces people to seriously consider the future of society. Are we going to become the exact same replaceable person? Creativity brought the technology, but will the  technology destroy creativity?

Communication Methods Essay

As a manager of a large rehabilitation center that provides short term care rehabilitation services, adding long term care services will require hiring and training new employees. It is important that managers understand the appropriate communication methods, why they are important, and what internal and external relationships that must be considered. There are a few appropriate communication methods manager can use in this organization such as emails, memos, team meetings, flyers, and powerpoint presentations. A mailing list can be implemented to send out emails with information or by sending flyers via USPS. Holding team meetings is a great to provide information to staff members as well as receiving employee feedback and suggestions to improve the quality of care. Although there are many methods of communication, holding staff meeting is the best way for information to flow from managers to employees, and employees to managers. Communication is important in the rehabilitation center as many services are provided by multiple physicians. â€Å"Communication between provider and consumers affects every facet on the health continuum from health promotion and disease prevention to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment† (Jones & Bartlett, 2014). The quality of care is dependent upon staff members working together to provide care. This requires effective communication to pass health information, and share knowledge with each other to find the proper treatment plan. The use of flyers in the community allows for communication between the organization and the community, informing them of the addition of long term care services. This is important to reach the organizational goals. There are many internal and external relationships that must be considered when expanding services. Internal relationships include managers of other departments such as marketing, and staff members. Marketing  managers have knowledge of the demand for long term care services in the community and can provide the manager with that information. Staff members may be useful to help provide long term care services or train new employees. â€Å"The success of new organizational forms depends on managing inter-organizational relationships through external communication† (Johnson & Chang, 2000). External relationships such as other organizations in the community as well as the community should be considered. Other organizations can provide insight on what services are currently available locally and the need for long term care. Reaching out to the community by hosting or attending events will help to draw in customers for the new service and gain information on cultural needs of the community. Communication is key to providing quality care in a busy rehabilitation center. The use of emails, flyers, and team meetins are great ways to effectively communicate with staff members. Communication is important to ensure proper care is provided and the patient is satisfied with the outcome. Internal and external relationships must be considered receive feedback on internal operations, and understand the demand for care in the community. References Johnson, J., & Chang, H. (2000). Internal and External Communication, Boundary Spanning, and Innovation Adoption: An Over-Time Comparison of Three Explanations of Internal and External Innovation Communication in a New Organizational Form. Journal Of Business Communication, 37(3), 238-63 Jones & Bartlett ( 2014). Retrieved from http://www.jblearning.com/samples/0763755575/55577_ch01.pdf

Did Wordsworth or Coleridge Have Greater Influence on Modern Criticism? Essay

After a brief introduction of the period that will contrast the Romantics with the century that preceded them, we shall move on to analyze the great poetic, theoretical experiment that most consider the Ur text of British Romanticism: â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†. We shall explore both the unique plan of â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, and the implications of that plan for literary theory. In this elaborate introductory summary, we shall consider the contributions of the British Romantic poets. Our texts will be: Wordsworth’s Preface to the â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, Coleridge’s â€Å"Biographia Literaria†, Shelly’s â€Å"Defense of Poetry†, Keats’ Letters. After this initial lecture on â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† itself, we’ll then devote one talk to Wordsworth. Coleridge, and Shelly. Rather than devote an entire lecture to Keats, we’ll consider Keats’ theories in relation to those of Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Shelly. So he will be fitted in the additional talks. Like Pope and Dryden, all four of our theorists were poets before they were critics. Thus their theory is a reflection of their own poetic technique. Because the four Romantics were poets, when they wrote their criticism, they were doing so out of their own experience. So this gives a little more practicality or pragmatic touch to their theory. Now the difference is that they’re like Pope and Dryden in the sense that they’re poets, however, there’s a big difference. The Romantics treated the poet, rather than the rules of decorum, as a source and touchstone of art. When we look at Pope and Dryden, especially the former, we notice that they were theorists very interested in decorum, following those rules. Yet we’ll see our poets/critics following the idea of the poet. In addition, we’ll find they fashion a new social role for the poet, very different from the 18th century (mainly to delight and teach or more precisely to teach and delight). Another introductory matter is all four of our Romantics altered the epistemological theories of the Germans. Now the Romantics are epistemologists[1], but there’s a difference. Whereas the German epistemologists were stillpragmatic theorists and interested in the relationshipbetween the poem and the audience, the British Romantics were what we might callexpressive epistemologists, interested in the relationship between the poem and the poet. Another different is that whereas the theorists of the last century portray an 18th century or Enlightenment orientation, particularly true in the case of Burke and Kant, as proto- or pre-Romatics, yet still very much interested in reason and analysis. The Romantics often define themselves in opposition to the Age of Reason. They borrow some ideas from it, but basically they are a kind of revolution, a reaction against what was going on in the age before. Now although they are still interested in mental faculties, like epistemology, they replace the 18th emphasis onanalysis, with a new focus on synthesis[2]. In addition, they privilege imagination over reason and judgment. Of course, we talked about this in quite some detail in the last unit. 12 Origins of Romanticism So before moving on to â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, we’ll survey one more thing. There are three competing events for the cause or origin of Romanticism, that we’ll just run-through quickly. Rousseau’s â€Å"Confessions† The first possible origin is the publication of Rousseau’s â€Å"Confessions† in 1781, with itschampioning of the individual and its radical notion that the personal life and ideas of a single individual, is matter worth of great art. So the great Jean Jacques Rousseau, although he lived and died in the 18th century, really is one of the great origins of Romanticism. He was one of the first people to dare to write an autobiography. Rousseau is writing an autobiography because he thinks that he himself is matter worthy of great literature.That is a radically new idea, that you could spend a whole book, writing about yourself. Rousseau actually delight sin his individuality, saying he is unique, no one is like him, when they made him, they broke the mold! This is a radical, Romantic notion, which says that the individual, rather than society or God or anything else, should be at the center. So that’s an origin or cause of Romanticism. French Revolution The second one often discussed, is the start of the French Revolution, the storm of the Bastille in 1789. That event offered the hope of not only internal and external freedom, but promised more radically that internal dreams could affect and even alter the external world. In other words, the French Revolution not only showed that we can throw off our chains, that we can change the world, but more radically, that an internal vision that people have, of freedom, can be taken and projected onto the world, changing it in accordance with their dreams. That’s very Romantic, as we’ll see in this unit. â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† Finally, the third origin, which we are most interested in, is the publication of â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† in 1798, and what it was followed within 1800, when a second edition was published, to which Wordsworth added a preface. Now in this lecture we’ll look at the â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† of 1798, while the next lecture looks at the preface itself because the preface in some ways, really caused the revolution, even more than â€Å"Lyrical Ballad†, but we’ll split them up. So why is â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† a third source? It championed new subjects for poetry, and a new approach to those subjects that changed literary theory forever. So that’s what we’ll do in this lecture, by showing how â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† did just that. Wordsworth and Coleridge planned together â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, wanting to make it a new kind of poetic volume. Now as some of you may know already, the friendship between Wordsworth and Coleridg e is one of the most wonderful in all of literary theory. It was one of the most artistically stimulating friendships, perhaps of all time. It was unique and the two men really played off each other, helping the other in terms of strength and weaknesses, so that together they did some great things. It was fruitful in terms of poetry and theory. Now the origin of â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† is described a little by Wordsworth in his Preface, but if you want to really learn of the origin, you want to read chapter 14 of Coleridge’s â€Å"Biographia Literaria†, his autobiography. It’s a wonderful reading and is excerpted in â€Å"Critical Reading Since Plato†. In 1797, Wordsworth and Coleridge were neighbors in the beautiful Lake District in northern England. They spent many days discussing and talking about poetry and life, doing what British love to do up there, taking long walks along the beautiful grass they have there. They’d walk, talk, and let their mind run free. So out of these conversations, they c onceived the idea of composing a series of poems of two distinct but complementary kinds. Neither remembered who first came up with the idea, but they decided to both write different kinds of poems, yet they would complement each other in a special way. These two kinds of poems and how they complemented each other is now discussed. The former kind of poem, from Wordsworth, would select its objects from nature, from the common, mundane, everyday world of the countryside and its inhabitants. In short, these poems would focus on things so familiar, that we often overlook them, things whose very commonness renders them invisible. In other words, he would take everyday things of nature, rustic farmers living in the Lake District as subject matters not rich people, aristocrats, but common everyday things, people and objects on nature. That would be the source or object of the poetry. However, what made these objects unique is rather than merely copy or record these things in a straight mimetic fashion, rather than simply describing the object, the poet would throw over them an imaginative coloring that would allow his readers to see them afresh. In other words, the trouble with everyday things is that we see them so often, we take them for granted. We don’t even notice them anymore. They lose their mystery and wonder. We’ve got a sort of tired clichà ©, to â€Å"stop and smell the roses.† Well, here we might say, we need to â€Å"stop and SEE the roses.† We miss the mystery of it all. The best example of this, comes from painting. The great Romantic painter Vincent van Gogh, we’ve all seen some of his pictures of sunflowers. Yet the first time you see any of them, you think to yourself, my God, I’ve never seen a sunflower before, I missed something all along. Well the same thing van Gogh does in his painting, is what Wordsworth is going to do in his poems. By lending these objects, these common things, a charm of novelty, the poet wants to evoke a sense of child-like wonder in his reader, a feeling more often associated with the supernatural than with the natural. Again, he wants us to see it afresh, as if we’ve never seen it before, the way a child sees the world. Every time a child sees the moon in the evening, it’s a whole new experience. It’s beautiful, it’s exciting, they grab their parents and say, look up there, isn’t it magical? Well that’s what Wordsworth wants to restore in us, not childish, but child-like. Now this process by which the veil of familiarity is suddenly, mystically, ripped away from everyday objects, is known as defamiliarization. Now what do we mean by the veil of familiarity? We all can understand the veil of mystery. Certain mysteries like death, we can’t fully pierce through, because they’re a mystery. Yet the veil of familiarity means that when something becomes so familiar because we see it every day, we don’t see it anymore, so it’s as if a veil has covered it, we’re missing it. We’re not seeing it. Defamiliarization means that suddenly through poetry, our familiarity is ripped away and we’re forced to look at it, as if for the first time. Coleridge says that most men are like what God says of the Jews in Isaiah VI, we have eyes but we do not see. Recall we have eyes but do not see, ears but do not hear. They are like their idols. Well many times that happens to us as well. We see it, but we don’t really see it. Defamiliarization opens our eyes to the wonders around us. It’s apocalyptic, it rips away the veil or covering, to allow us to see the true mystery that lurks behind. Now as we’ve said, Wordsworth was responsible for this portion of â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, and he composed a series of poems centered around such humble, rustic characters, as Simon Lee, Goody Blake, and the Idiot Boy. Believe it or not, those are the titles of some of his rustic people, not the kind that an 18th century poet would think worthy of writing any kind of serious poem about. They are very simple, rustic characters, usually illiterate, or barely literate. Yet despite their commonness, Wordsworth’s poems infuse them with dignity, power, and mystery. Romanticism is much more democratic. It sees the dignity in the common. The 18th century looked towards the aristocratic, to the refined. So that’s what Wordsworth does in his portion of â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†. One way to put it is that he takes natural objects and makes them seem almost supernatural. The latter kind of poem, which Coleridge did, would select its object from the realm of the supernatural, so it goes the other way. Wordsworth takes the natural and makes it supernatural, while Coleridge takes the supernatural and makes it natural. His â€Å"Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner†, Coleridge’s main contribution to â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, is richly suffused with supernatural characters and events. It’s a magical, mysterious sea journey that takes place in this world, but is really in another world. It’s a place of mystery, straight out of the Arabian Nights or something! So just as Wordsworth presents his natural objects in such a way as to stimulate an almost supernatural response, so Coleridge presents his supernatural world in such a way as to render it almost natural. That’s what we mean when we say that they are complementary, as opposed to simply opposites. Now, Coleridge accomplished this poetic feat, by uncovering behind the sup ernatural veil of his tale, dramatic and emotional truths. In other words, yes the story of the Mariner is supernatural, not really a part of our world, finally. Yet the dramatic and emotional truths,what’s going on in his psyche as he goes through the journey, are realistic. So we can identify with them, and they do seem very real and natural. Also, our recognition of the psychological truth of the Mariner’s journey, compels us to give to the poem, our â€Å"willing suspension of disbelief.† Many of you have heard that phrase before. This famous Coleridgean phrase,signifies our ability to temporarily suspend the claims of reason and logic, and to enter, through the power of the sympathetic imagination, into the life and heart of the poem. In other words, he writes it in such a way, that he gets us as readers to say all right, I know this is not real, I know it’s a fantasy. Yet I’m going to forget about that now, or I’m going to suspend that. I’m going to move into the poem, via sympathetic imagination, move toward the poem, just as when we’re in sympathy with a person, we move towards t hat person. So we are going to allow ourselves to just accept the poem as true. For in fact, dramatically and psychologically, it is true. So we’re going to suspend all that logical, mathematical-side of ourselves, and just enter into that world which Coleridge creates. Now another aspects of this, is that Coleridge tells us, to inspire in its readers, this moment of what he calls â€Å"poetic faith,† the poem must invite them into a higher realm of illusion, rather than merely delude them with fanciful images and events. So the distinction between illusion and delusion. Illusion is when we are pulled into it and say, ah what a beautiful world, it’s not real and yet it is real. It’s an illusion, like that of the stage. Delusion is when we suddenly feel like we’re being manipulated and fooled. The best way to get the distinction is to do so in terms of movies. The Star Wars films are the best example of illusion. They take us away to a long time ago in a galaxy far away. Now this is total fantasy, yet we buy-into their illusion because they’re so real, the relationships and whatnot going on, all seem so real to us, that we move into these movies and accept them as such. The Batman movies are examples of delusion. If any of you have bothered to see them, they are so phony that you feel manipulated and deluded. Maybe some teenagers buy it, but we certainly do not buy those worlds as real. Perhaps even the director does not either, so how can we? You feel deluded, so you sit there and watch, perhaps entertained by special effects, yet we’re not being moved in any emotional level, as in Star Wars or other good movies. Implications of â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† Now with the idea of this basic plan, let’s tell you about the implications of â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, to the history of literary theory. Why is it so important and central? â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, calls for a new kind of mimesis. That rather than simply imitate or even perfect its object, it transforms it into something rich and strange. That is to say, nature or supernature, is merely the occasion for the poem. The poetic act itself, the transformation, is the real point. In other words, the point of the poems in â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†is not the object itself, not merely to record the object. Although this is interesting and important, it isn’t not the key function in the poem. So what the poem is really about, is what Wordsworth or Coleridge do with that object, how they transform it through their poetic imagination. They change it into something new. That’s what it’s about, the poetic process, rather than about the object. So it’s about the subject then, if you will, that’s the importance of epistemology. In other words, it’s not the rules of decorum that control the art, but the imaginative vision of the poet that determines the shape and end of the poem. That’s why expressive theories are interested in the relationship between the poem and poet, because it’s the poet’s perceptive powers that determine what the poem is going to be like. Even more radically, the plan or â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† carries out a supreme form of epistemology in which objects or things take their ultimate nature not from what they are, but from howthey are perceived by the poet. This is radical, and since this is epistemological, perception is important. Yet now, really, the object is not even important at all. Now, the way we perceive the object, is what it becomes. The object now is a mix of what it is, and what we make it. William Blake This is very interesting and needs further explaining. Wordsworth and Coleridge were certainly influenced – even more than they were by the Germans – by a great poet named William Blake with his masterpiece, â€Å"The Songs of Innocence and Experience†. In this work, Blake demonstrates how the same images and events, take on a different coloring, form, and reality, when viewed through the eyes of innocence and experience. The subtitle of his work, â€Å"Shewing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul,† captures perfectly the radical Romantic belief that things are as they are perceived, and that we half-create the world around us. Let’s explain further once again. The â€Å"Songs of Innocence and Experience† have two volumes of poetry, meant to be linked together. Often, there will be a poem in the â€Å"Songs of Innocence†, which has a parallel in the â€Å"Songs of Experience†. For instance, there are two poems called the â €Å"Chimney Sweeper†, on in Innocence, one in Experience. They’re both about the horrible reality of these little boys who were forced to clean chimneys. It was a terrible job involving social manipulation, and many died young from cancer and all kinds of diseases. Yet in the world of Innocence, even though there is horrible exploitation, the focus of that poem is innocence. It’s on how the child-like faith and innocence can rise above the horrors of social exploitation. The version in experience though, we always see the exploitation and manipulation. In other words, the world, the reality, the event, is exactly the same, but because theperceptive point of view in each poem is different, it makes everything else different. So things are not as they are, but as they are perceived. We create the world around us. Example for perceptive point of view You are somewhere. It’s around 9 in the evening, and you’re about to walk out to go home, and it’s raining. Now the same exact setting, yet a different background now. Just before one walks out to go home in the rain, her friend of many years is visiting, and they’re excited because they’ve been waiting for this meeting, so it’s a beautiful rain, and you’re just on top of the world. On the other hand, before the other girl walks out into the rain, her friend of four years has just died. You are just horrified by that. You both walk into the rain, and now each is to write a poem/fiction/nonfiction about the rainstorm. It’s the same rain, same time of day, same place. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ So what are we saying here? It’s the exact same rain, so shouldn’t their poems be the same then? Why instead are their poems so different? Each is working out of a different perceptive mood. The state of their soul is different. One girl is in a state of innocence, while the other is in a state of experience, a more cynical state. So their world in which they see the storm, is now colored by what’s going on in their soul. Another example is whenever you’re mad, we always say that you’re seeing red! It’s as if everything you see is covered by that color. That is what it means for things to be as they are perceived. This is what it sometimes called the externalization of the internal, because what happens is you take something inside you, and externalize or project it onto the world. Now this concept lies behind the Romantic faith that: â€Å"if the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear as it is, infinite.† That’s something Blake says, and he was most radical in this idea. In other words, if we could just see it right, everything would be beautiful. Now we should say that this Romantic thing has a dark side to it as well. It very easily can fall into what we like to call the abyss of solipsism[3]. What is the latter? It’s the belief that the entire world is a projection of you. It’s kind of like a child that’s autistic, where they live in their own little world, as if the world is the way they see it. When a child plays peek-a-boo they cover their eyes and figure if they can’t see you, then you can’t see them. Thategocentrism is very dangerous to fall into, like this solipsism where you think the world is a reflection of yourself. Many don’t realize that the religion of Christian Science, though most perhaps don’t follow this and are just like regular Christians, their real doctrine is actually a bit more eastern than western. Pure Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, believed that disease is not really a physical thing, that it’s bad perception. So if we can just think of ourselves as being well, then we’ll actually be well. For even sin, disease, and evil, all are just bad perceptions. We don’t see the world right, which is almost a kind of Hindu concept. Again, most Christian Scientists probably don’t strictly follow that, so are more like regular Christians. Yet interestingly, this system is very close to Blake, this idea that you can change the world by the way you perceive it. Now this new, more radical epistemology, places the poet and his perceptions at the center of literary theory. Poetry is now to be regarded as self-expression, as a journey of the unique perceptions of an individual. Now what poetry really is, is self-expression. It’s what’s inside that’s coming out. So now, when we read a poem, what we want to read about, is his poem and his unique perceptions of the world. A break in decorum One more thing that â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† changed is that it shifted old 18th century notions of decorum, which declared certain subjects unfit for serious poetry. Recall that for the neo-Classicists, and also for the Classicists as well, poetry should be written about serious people, aristocrats, kings, knights, princes, all of that stuff. Well, the rustics treated by Wordsworth would have been subjects for comedy in the 18th century! Yet Wordsworth ennobles them to tragic heights! No one in the 18th century would write a serious tragic poem about Goody Blake or the Idiot Boy. They might write a comedy about that, but not anything serious. So this is a big change in the subjects for poetry. â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† also breaks with the neo-Classical world, by mixing the realms of the real and ideal. Indeed, it often sees the ideal in the real, the supernatural, the natural, and vice versa. In other words, a break in decorum, so that we’re mixing things. We shouldn’t be mixing real and ideal, supernatural and natural, but should keep those things separate. Wordsworth and Coleridge have no problem breaking decorum, which is one aspect of Romanticism. Finally, not only does â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† often take children as its subject, but it privileges their naà ¯ve sense of wonder, their freshness and innocence, over the refined urbanity and studied wit of the 18th century. Let’s move away from this elitist idea of refinement and urbanity. The whole city court-life of the 18th century is in many ways rejected by the Romantics. They want to move to a new way of seeing the world. So it’s not childish, but child-like. They want to see the world afresh and with wonder like a child does. Again, that’s a big break from the 18th century, which for the Romantics was artificial and unnatural. William Wordsworth’s Preface This space will be devoted to a close analysis to Wordsworth’s Preface to â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†. We shall explore how he radically redefines both the nature of poetry and the poet, as well as the function of poetry and the poet in society. We shall conclude with a brief look at Keats’ famous distinction negative capability and the egotistical sublime. â€Å"Lyrical Ballads† was published in 1798, and the preface does not come until the second edition of in 1800. The reason was that the first edition did very well, and many people said they’d like to know what these poets were thinking about, if there were a theory behind all this. Now really, Coleridge should have been the one to write the preface, as he was the much more critical and philosophical of the pair. Yet Coleridge had a way of putting things off and being a little bit slothful, so it fell to Wordsworth. Indeed, this may have changed history because although he was not first and foremost a critic, this sent him in a critical way he probably wouldn’t have gone if Coleridge hadn’t turned the buck over, so to speak, to Wordsworth. Now, in his Preface to â€Å"Lyrical Ballads†, Wordsworth redefines the nature and status of poetry, along expressive lines. Once again, these theories are interested in the relationship between the poem and the poet. Rather than treat poetry as an imitation of an action (mimetic theories), or as an object fashioned to teach and please a specific audience (pragmatic theories), Wordsworth, who was expressive, sees poetry as a personal reflection of the poet’s interactions with himself and his world. Again, this is the idea of poetry as self-expression, which is basically taken for granted today. So this concept is essentially invented by the Romantics, Of course, this is not to say that Wordsworth is unconcerned with imitating or teaching and pleasing. He is very much, as we’ll see later in this lecture. Yet these theoretical concerns, imitation, teaching, and pleasing, now are going to flow directly out of his view of the poet. So he’s interested in imitation, teaching, and pleasing, yet he now looks at those things from a new perspective or point of view, that of the poet. What is poetry[S1] ? As we saw in our previously, it’s not the rules of decorum anymore, but the visionary imagination of the poet that is now to become the source and end of poetry. In a famous phrase, Wordsworth defines poetry as â€Å"the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings†. That is to say, as an externalization of the internal emotions, moods, and perceptions, of the poet where the poet takes what is inside of him and projects it, or externalizes it, onto the world. This spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings is where the feelings inside are overflowing and spilling onto the page, onto the world. Again, this is a radically different concept of what poetry is. Indeed, Wordsworth’s nature poetry is less a reflection on nature, than on the feelings and ideas excited in the poet as he contemplates nature. There’s a very bad stereotype that Romantics are all nature lovers, running around like â€Å"nature boy† and hugging trees. Now they care about nature, yet that’s not so much what their poems are about, as their experience of nature, their reflection on nature. So that’s a light misnomer, as they do care about nature, but the way we think of it, is really a misnomer. Wordsworth asserts that it’s really the feeling that gives importance to the action and not vice versa. In other words, the feeling is what we’re looking for, the action can be anything. So the action doesn’t determine the feeling, but the feeling determines the action. Notice that this turns Aristotle on his head. Recall he said plot was more important that character? Well if Wordsworth wrote about drama, which he did not, he probably would have said that character is more important than plot. It’s not the action, but the feeling that is at the heart of poetry. Rustic Versus urban Nevertheless, as I suggested before, there is a strong mimetic element to Wordsworth’s theory. Although he’s interested in the expressive, there is a mimetic element. He often wrote on rustic subjects, not so much because the country made him feel good, but because in such a setting, he felt that men were more in touch with elementary feelings and durable truths. It was these essential passions, this emphatic unmediated kind of life that Wordsworth wanted to capture and embody in his poetry. There is something that he wants to imitate, that he wants to incarnate, to embody in his poetry. It’s a kind of life or experience. He felt that rustic life, because it was in touch with nature, was in touch with something that was more eternal. We all know that in the countryside, things change very slowly, whereas in the city, it’s the new fad, the new fashion, it’s whatever is fashionable today. Romantics don’t like that! They want things that stay the same. It’s not to say that they’re more conservative, because they’re actually more liberal than the way we define it. Those words have changed in their meaning, but it’s saying they want to get at the essence of things, to what is emphatic, unmediated, direct and true. Wordsworth found that in the countryside, more than in the city. Indeed, for Wordsworth and all Romantics, the city court life of the 18th century poets, was something to them as artificial, insincere, and out of touch with the wellsprings of our humanity. Again, they don’t’ like the city, and Jean Jacques Rousseau agreed with that. We want to get away from the city, towards what is authentic. If you want to see a great Romantic movie, see the French flick Jean de Florette. It’s about a man who leaves the city to seek what he calls the authentic. So he is a true Romantic, seeking the authentic. To sum up, Wordsworth looks to both the freer life of the country, and within his own heart, for real passions and truths. So the way he can be both expressive and have a mimetic element, is that when he looked inside of his soul, he saw that same eternal nature that he saw in the countryside. Both of those things come together in Wordsworth’s poetry. Wordsworth agreed with Aristotle and with Sydney, that poetry is more philosophical than history, because it deals with both specific facts and general truths. So maybe we say he finds these specific facts in the countryside, but he wants to link them to general truths, to eternal things, those he finds that are even deeper than he sees in the country, and deep inside of himself. Again, another thing on what we’re trying to say here is that for Wordsworth, self-expression is not an end in itself, but a means to reach that which is most permanent and universal. You see, that we’ve gone too far. People believe that self-expression is an end in itself. They think that all they have to do is express themselves, and that’s worthy of a rt. The Romantics didn’t go quite that far. Again, they opened the door for it, but for Wordsworth, again, self-expression is not an end in itself. He’s using it to get at eternal truths. Again, that makes Romantics different than the post-Romantics of the modern era. That is, Wordsworth’s poetic verse, this is what we’ll call Wordsworth poetic version of Kant’s subjective universality. For Wordsworth believes that in describing his own feelings, the poet describes the feelings of all men. In other words, Wordsworth felt that by exploring his subjective experience, by getting his ideas onto the page, he felt he was also expressing what all men believe. That’s why Wordsworth believes that his self-expression is not cut-off from everything, but is linked into the eternal â€Å"unchangingness† of his beloved Lake District. We want to make this distinction between modern self-expression, and original Romantic self-expression. Language of poetry[S2] Just as Wordsworth sought to imitate the life and passions of his native Lake District, so he sought to imitate the simple, direct language of the country. He not only wants to capture their manners, view of life, and traditions, but he also wanted to imitate their way of speaking. Wordsworth rejected what to him was the phony poetic diction of the 18th century, with its purposelycontorted syntax and artificial poeticisms. When a Romantic reads Pope and others, he sees their poetic diction as phony. Now again, perhaps that isn’t very genial, because to an 18th century person, that’s what a poet is supposed to do. In other words, he’s supposed to write poetry that’s a totally different language. We would say with â€Å"thees and thous,† the sort of way the language and syntax are all turned and mixed around. In other words, to an 18th century person, he wants you to know that it’s poetry! Let’s put it that way. Yet again, the Romantics reject everything that to them seems artificial about the 18th century, and he believed their manners, their way of life, even their poetic diction, the way they wrote poetry, was to the Romantics, especially to Wordsworth, artificial. So Wordsworth adopted a more natural, less-mannered style, that mimicked the syntax of good prose. He called it the â€Å"real language of men,† a famous Wordsworthian phrase. He actually said that good poetry is not that different from good prose. It’s interesting because what he’s saying is that he doesn’t want a poetry with contorted syntax all over the place. He wants it pure, unmannered, and natural, the real language of men. Now, when 17 years later, Coleridge wrote his own version of the Preface, in his â€Å"Biographia Literaria†, he tried to go back and fix up the mistake that he made in not writing the Preface himself. By then, Wordsworth and Coleridge had gone through a falling out, unfortunately. So Coleridge would quibble with the phrase, the real language of men, saying that Wordsworth went too far in his rustic manners of speech, saying that’s not true. it seems that Coleridge is being a little unfair to Wordsworth, as Coleridge is taking it too literally. For just as Wordsworth tempered his expressivism with a mimetic focus on truth, in the same way he tempered his celebration of the so-called real language of men. The poet, Wordsworth asserts, should not slavishly imitate the rustic, as Coleridge seemed to think he meant. Yet through a process of selection, he should purge his natural speech of its grossness. In other words, poor people sometimes use a lot of profanity and whatnot. Wordsworth is not going to put that in, but will purge it and purify it. So again, Coleridge took it a bit too literally. When Wordsworth said real language of men, he meant a simple, unsophisticated kind of speech, but again, purified. Who is the poet[S3] ? Just as Wordsworth redefined poetry, both subject-wise and language-wise, in the same way, Wordsworth offers us a new vision of the poet himself. For Wordsworth and all the Romantics, the questions of what is a poem, and what is a poet, are considered synonymous.If you understand what the poem is, you understand what the poet is, and vice versa. So, just as poetry is to be written in the real language of men, the poet is to be a man speaking to men. That is to say, the poet is not to be viewed as a different creature, he is of the same kind as all other men, though he does differ in degree. In other words, the Romantics want to break from this 18th century idea of the coterie of poets. That is, poets as an elite little group who meet together and read to each other. They want to break from that idea. The poet is like every other man, like a man speaking to men, but he differs in degree. He’s like all men, but has a little bit more, again, breaking from the 18th century. So what is this degree that the poet has? What is this thing he has more of, than other people? Well. The poet possesses a more organic, comprehensive soul, than do other men. The phrase â€Å"organic, comprehensive† is interesting. In other words, he’s got a bigger soul, we might say, that can just take everything into it. Wordsworth says he has a more lively sensibility, and is more in-touch with his feelings. This modern idea that the poet should be all sensitive is very much a Romantic idea. That’s not to say that 18th century poets are insensitive, but the idea is that the Romantic ones have lively sensibilities, and they are in-touch with everything. Another way to put this is that the Romantic poets need little stimulation to experience deep emotion. They’re so sensitive to things, that the tiniest touch, a sunflower, opens his heart. Indeed, they are ableto feel absent pleasures as though they were present. They don’t even need it there, but the memoryof[S4] beauty will inspire the sensitive, comprehensive soul of the Romantic. Wordsworth says that he rejoices, in his own spirit of life, and seeks to discover that joy in the world around him. You know what? If he can’t find the joy there, he’ll create it. He’ll take the joy inside of him, and put it in the world. He wants joy around him[S5] . The Romantic poet also has a rich store of memories that he can tap for poetic inspiration. Romanticism is very much based on personal memory and bringing that up, being able to tap it. Also, they are not only able to call-up the memory, but they are actually able to relive their memory and the emotions attached to them. Much of Wordsworth’s greatest poetry is a memory of his childhood. Wordsworth was able to actually re-experience his childhood with all those emotions that were attached to it. That’s how sensitive he was, how in-touch with his feelings he was. Today, we would call it being in-touch with his feminine side. Actually Romantic poetry is much more feminine than masculine, and tends to be very popular with women, who always love Romantic poets, because they are more feminine, in-touch with that side. Another, a Romantic poet can sustain an inner-mood of tranquility and pleasure. Once he gets into that mood, he can hold onto it, at least for a little while, as he writes. A final aspect of the Romantic poet, is that he is a lover of his fellow man, who honors what Wordsworth calls the native, naked, dignity of man. He does this by humanizing all things in accordance with the human heart. Louis wrote his dissertation on Wordsworth, who is one of the people that drew him into English. The reason he loves him, is that he treats humanity with such respect, whether in the court or in the countryside, he loves humanity and believed we were all linked together. The 18th century people loved satire, such as Jonathan Swift, an 18th century character. Yet there is very little satire in Romanticism. They don’t want to cut down and criticize, but they want to bring together, so there’s a love of man. The Romantic poet is a friend of man, says Wordsworth, who binds all things together with passion and love. Whereas the scientist seeks truth as an abstract idea, the poet rejoices in the presence of truth, as our visible friend and hourly companion. For scientists, truth is abstract. For a Romantic poet, he is what a true philosopher should be. What does philosophy mean? It’s the love of wisdom. Well that’s what the Romantics are. They love this truth and seek it as if it were a real flesh and blood person. That’s why their poetry is so human. Indeed, it’s interesting Wordsworth prophesied that if science were ever to become so familiar an object that it would take on flesh and blood. Then it would be the poet and not the scientist who would help transform and humanize science into a kindred spirit. Now Wordsworth was living at the very beginning of the industrial revolution, and science was just taking over. Yet if Wordsworth lived today, where science and technology have become a part of our world, of who we are, he would probably write odes to science and technology. For he would believe that it would be his role as a poet,to take science and humanize it, and make it a part of who we are. So Wordsworth is not just rejecting science or those things, only because they weren’t really a part of people at that point, but once they do become a part of it, the Romantic poet will humanize it, and make it part of the human experience. Functions of poetry Status of Cities Finally, Wordsworth ascribes to the poet and poetry, a new social function, very different from the social function of the 18th century. Wordsworth warns against the ill effects of urbanization and industrialization[S6] . We remind you that this is just starting right now, and Wordsworth is credibly prophetic about it. He says that the massing of men into cities, and the repetitive drudgery of their jobs, produces in them an ignoble craving after extraordinary incident, and a degrading thirst after outrageous stimulation. Wordsworth felt this was terribly unnatural, pushing people into cities. Do you know that London was the biggest city since the Roman Empire. In other words, no city was as large as Rome, until London 1800 years later. So this is something new, the real massing of men into cities. This assembly-line work, over and over again, Wordsworth felt this to be terribly unnatural, and it killed the soul. What happens to these people is that their senses grow dull, and they need grosser, more violent, and more scandalous stimulants to satisfy their blunted psyches. So they need more and more, in order to rise them up. Now Wordsworth calls this state of emotional and spiritual deadness, this loss of the ability to be moved by simple beauty and truth, he calls it savage torpor. He sees people in the city, walking around sort of insensitive, cut-off, callous to the world, no longer picking-up on things, a degrading thirst after outrageous stimulation. The city destroys the souls of its inhabitants. They’re just banged over the head, again and again. So what happens is that they lose their subtlety, their ability to appreciate small or subtle things. For Wordsworth, this is a terrible thing. This is a killing of the soul, in a way like what Longinus[4] said about materialism and hedonism, which kills our soul. This again, is something that blunts our powers. Well as you might guess, Wordsworth then, saw it as the role of poetry to restore this lost ability to be sensitive, to really bring us back to ourselves. Wordsworth felt that poetry, by enlarging and refining our sensibilities, has the power to re-humanize us, to bring us back into the human community. Wordsworth is serious about this, and Romantic poetry has helped to bring them back in-touch with themselves, to make them stop and see the roses, the way Vincent van Gogh does in his painting. He says Romantic poetry restores our child-like wonder, and revives our ability to take joy and delight in the natural world, and in the quiet beatings of our heart. Again, there’s so much noise in the world out there, and the Romantics help us to be quiet and listen again, to he ar again, because we’ve grown deaf. For we have ears and do not hear, eyes and do not see. Now considering this new social function, poetry is more, not less, necessary in an industrial age, than in a rural pastoral age! Sometimes people will say that this is a technological industrial age, so we don’t need poetry! Wordsworth would say no, we need it more because people are more and more out of touch with themselves, so they need poetry even more. The rustics don’t need it as much, because they’ve got it all around them, so to speak. It’s in an industrial and technological age, when we really need it. Now we might note here, that although Wordsworth rejects the refinement and wit of the 18th century, he does promote a new aristocracy of sensitivity. You could say that he’s elitist in a way; he’s also heading towards being a bit elitist. So there is a kind of aristocracy, but it’s one of refinement and sensitively, rather than of courtly manners and whatnot. Wordsworth was educated at Cambridge, but you see him as a kind of m an of the people. He doesn’t come across as an academic in any way. So finally, Wordsworth says that though poetry does instruct, it does teach as we saw, it exists first and foremost to give pleasure. Wordsworth says it is through pleasure that poetry draws us back into touch with our world, our fellow man, and ourselves. So entertainment and pleasure are very important to the Romantics[S7] . In fact, in a weird way, it’s even more important than the neo-Classicists, because the Romantics believed that pleasure is actually something that unites them. Think of the joy, the happiness of a wedding, and the way we’re united by that joy. Well that’s what Wordsworth wanted, a joy and pleasure in the poetry. The pleasure that poetry gives, is no mere entertainment. In other words, it’s the very spirit through which we know and live. So in the same way that Schiller says we should not look down on playing in the play drive, Wordsworth says don’t look down on pleasure . That’s good, for poets should give pleasure. The final note now includes a bit about John Keats and something he says in one of his letters. He wrote no essays of literary theory by the way, but in letters he’s sent to people, there is literary theory embedded in it. In one of them, John Keats makes a distinction between what he called negative capability, and the egotistical sublime. This distinction offers an interesting critique on Wordsworth, and that’s why it is included here. Let’s define these terms. Whereas poets who posses negative capability are able to enter into the lives of other beings, and see the world from their perspective, those possessing the quality of the egotistical sublime, always mediate their visions of the world, through their own strong, dominant personalities. Let’s give an example. Shakespeare is the ultimate example of negative capability, where one can move out of themselves, towards other people, even losing themselv es in other people. Think about how Shakespeare loses himself in his characters. You cannot say, although people try to, but you can’t say that Hamlet, MacBeth, or Othello is Shakespeare. None of them are Shakespeare! He loses himself in his creations, in his characters. That’s negative capability. Milton and Wordsworth would be the other. Egotistical sublime means rather than moving out, you draw everything to yourself. Milton, even when he’s writing about God and paradise, is still writing about himself, in one way or another. In a way, Wordsworth is always writing about himself and his perceptions as well. Yet that doesn’t mean he’s callous, as it’s just about his perceptions. Now to link Wordsworth to the egotistical sublime, is not to say that he is arrogant or selfish. That’s not what he means. His personality is such that it both draws all things to itself, and colors all things by its perceptions. So egotistical does not mean like we think of it, as someone being all stuck-up, or something pompous. What it means is that his ego, his personality, is so strong, that he draws everything to it. One of the reasons we read Wordsworth, is because we’re interested in him, and his perspective on the world. Coleridge also noted in his Biographia Literaria – so that he would agree with Keats in this respect – that even in his poetic studies of others, Wordsworth is finally a spectator â€Å"ab extra† (Latin for a spectator from the outside). What he was saying was that although Wordsworth had sympathy, he never really had empathy. Wordsworth was able to feel for people, yet in a way, Wordsworth could never really enter into the rustic, and see the world through their eyes. That’s just a different kind of person than he was. A little bit more about negative capability now. Keats’ desire to move out of himself, this negative capability – because he wanted to be a negative capability person, not an egotistical sublime – is not so much a rejection of, as an antidote to, the Romantic belief that things are as they are perceived. That idea is more egotistical sublime, where everything is the way you perceive it. Keats is not so much rejecting th at, as he wants to find an antidote to it. Let’s explain. Keats noticed that this strong focus on the poet and his perception that we’ve been talking about, often leads to the Romantic disease of over self-consciousness. In other words, what happens is that the poet thinks so much, that he loses his ability to feel and experience the world directly. Sometimes because of this subjective epistemological perspective, what happens is the Romantics think too much. You all know, we’ll all been through this, when we think too much, it sort of ruins things. This is a terrible irony, because what happens is that the Romantic is forced to choose between that direct unmediated vision of the world that he wants and desires, and his own poetic practice, that says everything is a perception of reality. Do you understand that angst here? In one way, they want to be unconscious, unmediated, direct, and emphatic. While their process of poetry keeps making them self-conscious, overly so. So they can’t just enjoy anything, because they’re thinking too much! Keats wants to break away from that. Finally, let’s mention that in unit five, we’ll look at an anti-Romantic turn, a turn away from the Romanticists. Those people in the next unit, are going to reject the struggle between the unconscious and super self-conscious, in favor of a more impersonal, objective view of poetry. They’re going to use Keats’ negative capability as a springboard for this more impersonal view of poetry.