The Da Vinci Code Chapter 52-55

CHAPTER 52 The Sprawling 185-acre estate of Chateau Villette was located twenty-five minutes northwest of Paris in the environs of Versailles. Designed by Franà §ois Mansart in 1668 for the Count of Aufflay, it was one of Paris's most significant historical chateaux. Complete with two rectangular lakes and gardens designed by Le N;tre, Chateau Villette was more of a modest castle than a mansion. The estate fondly had become known as la Petite Versailles. Langdon brought the armored truck to a shuddering stop at the foot of the mile-long driveway. Beyond the imposing security gate, Sir Leigh Teabing's residence rose on a meadow in the distance. The sign on the gate was in English: PRIVATE PROPERTY. NO TRESPASSING. As if to proclaim his home a British Isle unto itself, Teabing had not only posted his signs in English, but he had installed his gate's intercom entry system on the right-hand side of the truck – the passenger's side everywhere in Europe except England. Sophie gave the misplaced intercom an odd look. â€Å"And if someone arrives without a passenger?† â€Å"Don't ask.† Langdon had already been through that with Teabing. â€Å"He prefers things the way they are at home.† Sophie rolled down her window. â€Å"Robert, you'd better do the talking.† Langdon shifted his position, leaning out across Sophie to press the intercom button. As he did, an alluring whiff of Sophie's perfume filled his nostrils, and he realized how close they were. He waited there, awkwardly prone, while a telephone began ringing over the small speaker. Finally, the intercom crackled and an irritated French accent spoke. â€Å"Chateau Villette. Who is calling?† â€Å"This is Robert Langdon,† Langdon called out, sprawled across Sophie's lap. â€Å"I'm a friend of Sir Leigh Teabing. I need his help.† â€Å"My master is sleeping. As was I. What is your business with him?† â€Å"It is a private matter. One of great interest to him.† â€Å"Then I'm sure he will be pleased to receive you in the morning.† Langdon shifted his weight. â€Å"It's quite important.† â€Å"As is Sir Leigh's sleep. If you are a friend, then you are aware he is in poor health.† Sir Leigh Teabing had suffered from polio as a child and now wore leg braces and walked with crutches, but Langdon had found him such a lively and colorful man on his last visit that it hardly seemed an infirmity. â€Å"If you would, please tell him I have uncovered new information about the Grail. Information that cannot wait until morning.† There was a long pause. Langdon and Sophie waited, the truck idling loudly. A full minute passed. Finally, someone spoke. â€Å"My good man, I daresay you are still on Harvard Standard Time.† The voice was crisp and light. Langdon grinned, recognizing the thick British accent. â€Å"Leigh, my apologies for waking you at this obscene hour.† â€Å"My manservant tells me that not only are you in Paris, but you speak of the Grail.† â€Å"I thought that might get you out of bed.† â€Å"And so it has.† â€Å"Any chance you'd open the gate for an old friend?† â€Å"Those who seek the truth are more than friends. They are brothers.† Langdon rolled his eyes at Sophie, well accustomed to Teabing's predilection for dramatic antics. â€Å"Indeed I will open the gate,† Teabing proclaimed,† but first I must confirm your heart is true. A test of your honor. You will answer three questions.† Langdon groaned, whispering at Sophie. â€Å"Bear with me here. As I mentioned, he's something of a character.† â€Å"Your first question,† Teabing declared, his tone Herculean. â€Å"Shall I serve you coffee, or tea?† Langdon knew Teabing's feelings about the American phenomenon of coffee. â€Å"Tea,† he replied.† Earl Grey.† â€Å"Excellent. Your second question. Milk or sugar?† Langdon hesitated.† Milk,†Sophie whispered in his ear. â€Å"I think the British take milk.† â€Å"Milk,† Langdon said. Silence. â€Å"Sugar?† Teabing made no reply. Wait! Langdon now recalled the bitter beverage he had been served on his last visit and realized this question was a trick. â€Å"Lemon!† he declared. â€Å"Earl Grey with lemon† â€Å"Indeed.† Teabing sounded deeply amused now. â€Å"And finally, I must make the most grave of inquiries.† Teabing paused and then spoke in a solemn tone. â€Å"In which year did a Harvard sculler last outrow an Oxford man at Henley?† Langdon had no idea, but he could imagine only one reason the question had been asked. â€Å"Surely such a travesty has never occurred.† The gate clicked open. â€Å"Your heart is true, my friend. You may pass.† CHAPTER 53 â€Å"Monsieur Vernet!† The night manager of the Depository Bank of Zurich felt relieved to hear the bank president's voice on the phone. â€Å"Where did you go, sir? The police are here, everyone is waiting for you!† â€Å"I have a little problem,† the bank president said, sounding distressed. â€Å"I need your help right away.† You have more than a little problem, the manager thought. The police had entirely surrounded the bank and were threatening to have the DCPJ captain himself show up with the warrant the bank had demanded. â€Å"How can I help you, sir?† â€Å"Armored truck number three. I need to find it.† Puzzled, the manager checked his delivery schedule. â€Å"It's here. Downstairs at the loading dock.† â€Å"Actually, no. The truck was stolen by the two individuals the police are tracking.† â€Å"What? How did they drive out?† â€Å"I can't go into the specifics on the phone, but we have a situation here that could potentially be extremely unfortunate for the bank.† â€Å"What do you need me to do, sir?† â€Å"I'd like you to activate the truck's emergency transponder.† The night manager's eyes moved to the LoJack control box across the room. Like many armored cars, each of the bank's trucks had been equipped with a radio-controlled homing device, which could be activated remotely from the bank. The manager had only used the emergency system once, after a hijacking, and it had worked flawlessly – locating the truck and transmitting the coordinates to the authorities automatically. Tonight, however, the manager had the impression the president was hoping for a bit more prudence. â€Å"Sir, you are aware that if I activate the LoJack system, the transponder will simultaneously inform the authorities that we have a problem.† Vernet was silent for several seconds. â€Å"Yes, I know. Do it anyway. Truck number three. I'll hold. I need the exact location of that truck the instant you have it.† â€Å"Right away, sir.† Thirty seconds later, forty kilometers away, hidden in the undercarriage of the armored truck, a tiny transponder blinked to life. CHAPTER 54 As Langdon and Sophie drove the armored truck up the winding, poplar-lined driveway toward the house, Sophie could already feel her muscles relaxing. It was a relief to be off the road, and she could think of few safer places to get their feet under them than this private, gated estate owned by a good-natured foreigner. They turned into the sweeping circular driveway, and Chateau Villette came into view on their right. Three stories tall and at least sixty meters long, the edifice had gray stone facing illuminated by outside spotlights. The coarse facade stood in stark juxtaposition to the immaculately landscaped gardens and glassy pond. The inside lights were just now coming on. Rather than driving to the front door, Langdon pulled into a parking area nestled in the evergreens. â€Å"No reason to risk being spotted from the road,† he said. â€Å"Or having Leigh wonder why we arrived in a wrecked armored truck.† Sophie nodded. â€Å"What do we do with the cryptex? We probably shouldn't leave it out here, but if Leigh sees it, he'll certainly want to know what it is.† â€Å"Not to worry,† Langdon said, removing his jacket as he stepped out of the car. He wrapped the tweed coat around the box and held the bundle in his arms like a baby. Sophie looked dubious. â€Å"Subtle.† â€Å"Teabing never answers his own door; he prefers to make an entrance. I'll find somewhere inside to stash this before he joins us.† Langdon paused. â€Å"Actually, I should probably warn you before you meet him. Sir Leigh has a sense of humor that people often find a bit†¦ strange.† Sophie doubted anything tonight would strike her as strange anymore. The pathway to the main entrance was hand-laid cobblestone. It curved to a door of carved oak and cherry with a brass knocker the size of a grapefruit. Before Sophie could grasp the knocker, the door swung open from within. A prim and elegant butler stood before them, making final adjustments on the white tie and tuxedo he had apparently just donned. He looked to be about fifty, with refined features and an austere expression that left little doubt he was unamused by their presence here. â€Å"Sir Leigh will be down presently,† he declared, his accent thick French. â€Å"He is dressing. He prefers not to greet visitors while wearing only a nightshirt. May I take your coat?† He scowled at the bunched-up tweed in Langdon's arms. â€Å"Thank you, I'm fine.† â€Å"Of course you are. Right this way, please.† The butler guided them through a lush marble foyer into an exquisitely adorned drawing room, softly lit by tassel-draped Victorian lamps. The air inside smelled antediluvian, regal somehow, with traces of pipe tobacco, tea leaves, cooking sherry, and the earthen aroma of stone architecture. Against the far wall, flanked between two glistening suits of chain mail armor, was a rough-hewn fireplace large enough to roast an ox. Walking to the hearth, the butler knelt and touched a match to a pre-laid arrangement of oak logs and kindling. A fire quickly crackled to life. The man stood, straightening his jacket. â€Å"His master requests that you make yourselves at home.† With that, he departed, leaving Langdon and Sophie alone. Sophie wondered which of the fireside antiques she was supposed to sit on – the Renaissance velvet divan, the rustic eagle-claw rocker, or the pair of stone pews that looked like they'd been lifted from some Byzantine temple. Langdon unwrapped the cryptex from his coat, walked to the velvet divan, and slid the wooden box deep underneath it, well out of sight. Then, shaking out his jacket, he put it back on, smoothed the lapels, and smiled at Sophie as he sat down directly over the stashed treasure. The divan it is, Sophie thought, taking a seat beside him. As she stared into the growing fire, enjoying the warmth, Sophie had the sensation that her grandfather would have loved this room. The dark wood paneling was bedecked with Old Master paintings, one of which Sophie recognized as a Poussin, her grandfather's second-favorite painter. On the mantel above the fireplace, an alabaster bust of Isis watched over the room. Beneath the Egyptian goddess, inside the fireplace, two stone gargoyles served as andirons, their mouths gaping to reveal their menacing hollow throats. Gargoyles had always terrified Sophie as a child; that was, until her grandfather cured her of the fear by taking her atop Notre Dame Cathedral in a rainstorm. â€Å"Princess, look at these silly creatures,† he had told her, pointing to the gargoyle rainspouts with their mouths gushing water. â€Å"Do you hear that funny sound in their throats?† Sophie nodded, having to smile at the burping sound of the water gurgling through their throats. â€Å"They're gargling,†her grandfather told her. â€Å"Gargariser! And that's where they get the silly name â€Å"gargoyles†.† Sophie had never again been afraid. The fond memory caused Sophie a pang of sadness as the harsh reality of the murder gripped her again. Grand-pere is gone.She pictured the cryptex under the divan and wondered if Leigh Teabing would have any idea how to open it. Or if we even should ask him.Sophie's grandfather's final words had instructed her to find Robert Langdon. He had said nothing about involving anyone else. We needed somewhere to hide, Sophie said, deciding to trust Robert's judgment. â€Å"Sir Robert!† a voice bellowed somewhere behind them. â€Å"I see you travel with a maiden.† Langdon stood up. Sophie jumped to her feet as well. The voice had come from the top of a curled staircase that snaked up to the shadows of the second floor. At the top of the stairs, a form moved in the shadows, only his silhouette visible. â€Å"Good evening,† Langdon called up. â€Å"Sir Leigh, may I present Sophie Neveu.† â€Å"An honor.† Teabing moved into the light.† Thank you for having us,† Sophie said, now seeing the man wore metal leg braces and used crutches. He was coming down one stair at a time. â€Å"I realize it's quite late.† â€Å"It is so late, my dear, it's early.† He laughed. â€Å"Vous n'etes pas Americaine?† Sophie shook her head. â€Å"Parisienne.† â€Å"Your English is superb.† â€Å"Thank you. I studied at the Royal Holloway.† â€Å"So then, that explains it.† Teabing hobbled lower through the shadows. â€Å"Perhaps Robert told you I schooled just down the road at Oxford.† Teabing fixed Langdon with a devilish smile. â€Å"Of course, I also applied to Harvard as my safety school.† Their host arrived at the bottom of the stairs, appearing to Sophie no more like a knight than Sir Elton John. Portly and ruby-faced, Sir Leigh Teabing had bushy red hair and jovial hazel eyes that seemed to twinkle as he spoke. He wore pleated pants and a roomy silk shirt under a paisley vest. Despite the aluminum braces on his legs, he carried himself with a resilient, vertical dignity that seemed more a by-product of noble ancestry than any kind of conscious effort. Teabing arrived and extended a hand to Langdon. â€Å"Robert, you've lost weight.† Langdon grinned. â€Å"And you've found some.† Teabing laughed heartily, patting his rotund belly. â€Å"Touche. My only carnal pleasures these days seem to be culinary.† Turning now to Sophie, he gently took her hand, bowing his head slightly, breathing lightly on her fingers, and diverting his eyes. â€Å"M'lady.† Sophie glanced at Langdon, uncertain whether she'd stepped back in time or into a nuthouse. The butler who had answered the door now entered carrying a tea service, which he arranged on a table in front of the fireplace. â€Å"This is Remy Legaludec,† Teabing said,† my manservant.† The slender butler gave a stiff nod and disappeared yet again. â€Å"Remy is Lyonais,†Teabing whispered, as if it were an unfortunate disease. â€Å"But he does sauces quite nicely.† Langdon looked amused. â€Å"I would have thought you'd import an English staff?† â€Å"Good heavens, no! I would not wish a British chef on anyone except the French tax collectors.† He glanced over at Sophie. â€Å"Pardonnez-moi, Mademoiselle Neveu. Please be assured that my distaste for the French extends only to politics and the soccer pitch. Your government steals my money, and your football squad recently humiliated us.† Sophie offered an easy smile. Teabing eyed her a moment and then looked at Langdon. â€Å"Something has happened. You both look shaken.† Langdon nodded. â€Å"We've had an interesting night, Leigh.† â€Å"No doubt. You arrive on my doorstep unannounced in the middle of the night speaking of the Grail. Tell me, is this indeed about the Grail, or did you simply say that because you know it is the lone topic for which I would rouse myself in the middle of the night?† A little of both, Sophie thought, picturing the cryptex hidden beneath the couch. â€Å"Leigh,† Langdon said,† we'd like to talk to you about the Priory of Sion.† Teabing's bushy eyebrows arched with intrigue. â€Å"The keepers. So this is indeed about the Grail. You say you come with information? Something new, Robert?† â€Å"Perhaps. We're not quite sure. We might have a better idea if we could get some information from you first.† Teabing wagged his finger. â€Å"Ever the wily American. A game of quid pro quo. Very well. I am at your service. What is it I can tell you?† Langdon sighed. â€Å"I was hoping you would be kind enough to explain to Ms. Neveu the true nature of the Holy Grail.† Teabing looked stunned. â€Å"She doesn't know?† Langdon shook his head. The smile that grew on Teabing's face was almost obscene. â€Å"Robert, you've brought me a virgin?† Langdon winced, glancing at Sophie. â€Å"Virgin is the term Grail enthusiasts use to describe anyone who has never heard the true Grail story.† Teabing turned eagerly to Sophie. â€Å"How much do you know, my dear?† Sophie quickly outlined what Langdon had explained earlier – the Priory of Sion, the Knights Templar, the Sangreal documents, and the Holy Grail, which many claimed was not a cup†¦ but rather something far more powerful. â€Å"That's all?† Teabing fired Langdon a scandalous look. â€Å"Robert, I thought you were a gentleman. You've robbed her of the climax!† â€Å"I know, I thought perhaps you and I could†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Langdon apparently decided the unseemly metaphor had gone far enough. Teabing already had Sophie locked in his twinkling gaze. â€Å"You are a Grail virgin, my dear. And trust me, you will never forget your first time.† CHAPTER 55 Seated on the divan beside Langdon, Sophie drank her tea and ate a scone, feeling the welcome effects of caffeine and food. Sir Leigh Teabing was beaming as he awkwardly paced before the open fire, his leg braces clicking on the stone hearth. â€Å"The Holy Grail,† Teabing said, his voice sermonic. â€Å"Most people ask me only where it is. I fear that is a question I may never answer.† He turned and looked directly at Sophie. â€Å"However†¦ the far more relevant question is this: What is the Holy Grail?† Sophie sensed a rising air of academic anticipation now in both of her male companions. â€Å"To fully understand the Grail,† Teabing continued,† we must first understand the Bible. How well do you know the New Testament?† Sophie shrugged. â€Å"Not at all, really. I was raised by a man who worshipped Leonardo Da Vinci.† Teabing looked both startled and pleased. â€Å"An enlightened soul. Superb! Then you must be aware that Leonardo was one of the keepers of the secret of the Holy Grail. And he hid clues in his art.† â€Å"Robert told me as much, yes.† â€Å"And Da Vinci's views on the New Testament?† â€Å"I have no idea.† Teabing's eyes turned mirthful as he motioned to the bookshelf across the room. â€Å"Robert, would you mind? On the bottom shelf. La Storia di Leonardo.† Langdon went across the room, found a large art book, and brought it back, setting it down on the table between them. Twisting the book to face Sophie, Teabing flipped open the heavy cover and pointed inside the rear cover to a series of quotations. â€Å"From Da Vinci's notebook on polemics and speculation,† Teabing said, indicating one quote in particular. â€Å"I think you'll find this relevant to our discussion.† Sophie read the words. Many have made a trade of delusions and false miracles, deceiving the stupid multitude. – LEONARDO DA VINCI â€Å"Here's another,† Teabing said, pointing to a different quote. Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes! – LEONARDO DA VINCI Sophie felt a little chill. â€Å"Da Vinci is talking about the Bible?† Teabing nodded. â€Å"Leonardo's feelings about the Bible relate directly to the Holy Grail. In fact, Da Vinci painted the true Grail, which I will show you momentarily, but first we must speak of the Bible.† Teabing smiled. â€Å"And everything you need to know about the Bible can be summed up by the great canon doctor Martyn Percy.† Teabing cleared his throat and declared,† The Bible did not arrive by fax from heaven.† â€Å"I beg your pardon?† â€Å"The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of God. The Bible did not fall magically from the clouds. Man created it as a historical record of tumultuous times, and it has evolved through countless translations, additions, and revisions. History has never had a definitive version of the book.† â€Å"Okay.† â€Å"Jesus Christ was a historical figure of staggering influence, perhaps the most enigmatic and inspirational leader the world has ever seen. As the prophesied Messiah, Jesus toppled kings, inspired millions, and founded new philosophies. As a descendant of the lines of King Solomon and King David, Jesus possessed a rightful claim to the throne of the King of the Jews. Understandably, His life was recorded by thousands of followers across the land.† Teabing paused to sip his tea and then placed the cup back on the mantel. â€Å"More than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament, and yet only a relative few were chosen for inclusion – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John among them. â€Å"Who chose which gospels to include?† Sophie asked. â€Å"Aha!† Teabing burst in with enthusiasm. â€Å"The fundamental irony of Christianity! The Bible, as we know it today, was collated by the pagan Roman emperor Constantine the Great.† â€Å"I thought Constantine was a Christian,† Sophie said. â€Å"Hardly,† Teabing scoffed. â€Å"He was a lifelong pagan who was baptized on his deathbed, too weak to protest. In Constantine's day, Rome's official religion was sun worship – the cult of Sol Invictus, or the Invincible Sun – and Constantine was its head priest. Unfortunately for him, a growing religious turmoil was gripping Rome. Three centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Christ's followers had multiplied exponentially. Christians and pagans began warring, and the conflict grew to such proportions that it threatened to rend Rome in two. Constantine decided something had to be done. In 325 A. D. , he decided to unify Rome under a single religion. Christianity.† Sophie was surprised. â€Å"Why would a pagan emperor choose Christianity as the official religion?† Teabing chuckled. â€Å"Constantine was a very good businessman. He could see that Christianity was on the rise, and he simply backed the winning horse. Historians still mar vel at the brilliance with which Constantine converted the sun-worshipping pagans to Christianity. By fusing pagan symbols, dates, and rituals into the growing Christian tradition, he created a kind of hybrid religion that was acceptable to both parties.† â€Å"Transmogrification,† Langdon said. â€Å"The vestiges of pagan religion in Christian symbology are undeniable. Egyptian sun disks became the halos of Catholic saints. Pictograms of Isis nursing her miraculously conceived son Horus became the blueprint for our modern images of the Virgin Mary nursing Baby Jesus. And virtually all the elements of the Catholic ritual – the miter, the altar, the doxology, and communion, the act of† God-eating† – were taken directly from earlier pagan mystery religions.† Teabing groaned. â€Å"Don't get a symbologist started on Christian icons. Nothing in Christianity is original. The pre-Christian God Mithras – called the Son of God and the Light of the World – was born on December 25, died, was buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three days. By the way, December 25 is also the birthday of Osiris, Adonis, and Dionysus. The newborn Krishna was presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Even Christianity's weekly holy day was stolen from the pagans.† â€Å"What do you mean?† â€Å"Originally,† Langdon said,† Christianity honored the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagan's veneration day of the sun.† He paused, grinning. â€Å"To this day, most churchgoers attend services on Sunday morning with no idea that they are there on account of the pagan sun god's weekly tribute – Sunday.† Sophie's head was spinning. â€Å"And all of this relates to the Grail?† â€Å"Indeed,† Teabing said. â€Å"Stay with me. During this fusion of religions, Constantine needed to strengthen the new Christian tradition, and held a famous ecumenical gathering known as the Council of Nicaea.† Sophie had heard of it only insofar as its being the birthplace of the Nicene Creed. â€Å"At this gathering,† Teabing said,† many aspects of Christianity were debated and voted upon – the date of Easter, the role of the bishops, the administration of sacraments, and, of course, the divinityof Jesus.† â€Å"I don't follow. His divinity?† â€Å"My dear,† Teabing declared,† until that moment in history, Jesus was viewed by His followers as a mortal prophet†¦ a great and powerful man, but a man nonetheless. A mortal.† â€Å"Not the Son of God?† â€Å"Right,† Teabing said. â€Å"Jesus' establishment as ‘the Son of God' was officially proposed and voted on by the Council of Nicaea.† â€Å"Hold on. You're saying Jesus' divinity was the result of a vote?† â€Å"A relatively close vote at that,† Teabing added. â€Å"Nonetheless, establishing Christ's divinity was critical to the further unification of the Roman empire and to the new Vatican power base. By officially endorsing Jesus as the Son of God, Constantine turned Jesus into a deity who existed beyond the scope of the human world, an entity whose power was unchallengeable. This not only precluded further pagan challenges to Christianity, but now the followers of Christ were able to redeem themselves only via the established sacred channel – the Roman Catholic Church.† Sophie glanced at Langdon, and he gave her a soft nod of concurrence. â€Å"It was all about power,† Teabing continued. â€Å"Christ as Messiah was critical to the functioning of Church and state. Many scholars claim that the early Church literally stole Jesus from His original followers, hijacking His human message, shrouding it in an impenetrable cloak of divinity, and using it to expand their own power. I've written several books on the topic.† â€Å"And I assume devout Christians send you hate mail on a daily basis?† â€Å"Why would they?† Teabing countered. â€Å"The vast majority of educated Christians know the history of their faith. Jesus was indeed a great and powerful man. Constantine's underhanded political maneuvers don't diminish the majesty of Christ's life. Nobody is saying Christ was a fraud, or denying that He walked the earth and inspired millions to better lives. All we are saying is that Constantine took advantage of Christ's substantial influence and importance. And in doing so, he shaped the face of Ch ristianity as we know it today.† Sophie glanced at the art book before her, eager to move on and see the Da Vinci painting of the Holy Grail. â€Å"The twist is this,† Teabing said, talking faster now. â€Å"Because Constantine upgraded Jesus' status almost four centuries after Jesus' death, thousands of documents already existed chronicling His life as a mortal man. To rewrite the history books, Constantine knew he would need a bold stroke. From this sprang the most profound moment in Christian history.† Teabing paused, eyeing Sophie. â€Å"Constantine commissioned and financed a new Bible, which omitted those gospels that spoke of Christ's human traits and embellished those gospels that made Him godlike. The earlier gospels were outlawed, gathered up, and burned.† â€Å"An interesting note,† Langdon added. â€Å"Anyone who chose the forbidden gospels over Constantine's version was deemed a heretic. The word heretic derives from that moment in history. The Latin word haereticus means ‘choice.' Those who ‘chose' the original history of Christ were the world's first heretics.† â€Å"Fortunately for historians,† Teabing said,† some of the gospels that Constantine attempted to eradicate managed to survive. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the 1950s hidden in a cave near Qumran in the Judean desert. And, of course, the Coptic Scrolls in 1945 at Nag Hammadi. In addition to telling the true Grail story, these documents speak of Christ's ministry in very human terms. Of course, the Vatican, in keeping with their tradition of misinformation, tried very hard to suppress the release of these scrolls. And why wouldn't they? The scrolls highlight glaring historical discrepancies and fabrications, clearly confirming that the modern Bible was compiled and edited by men who possessed a political agenda – to promote the divinity of the man Jesus Christ and use His influence to solidify their own power base.† â€Å"And yet,† Langdon countered,† it's important to remember that the modern Church's desire to suppress these documents comes from a sincere belief in their established view of Christ. The Vatican is made up of deeply pious men who truly believe these contrary documents could only be false testimony.† Teabing chuckled as he eased himself into a chair opposite Sophie. â€Å"As you can see, our professor has a far softer heart for Rome than I do. Nonetheless, he is correct about the modern clergy believing these opposing documents are false testimony. That's understandable. Constantine's Bible has been their truth for ages. Nobody is more indoctrinated than the indoctrinator.† â€Å"What he means,† Langdon said,† is that we worship the gods of our fathers.† â€Å"What I mean,† Teabing countered,† is that almost everything our fathers taught us about Christ is false.As are the stories about the Holy Grail.† Sophie looked again at the Da Vinci quote before her. Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes! Teabing reached for the book and flipped toward the center. â€Å"And finally, before I show you Da Vinci's paintings of the Holy Grail, I'd like you to take a quick look at this.† He opened the book to a colorful graphic that spanned both full pages. â€Å"I assume you recognize this fresco?† He's kidding, right? Sophie was staring at the most famous fresco of all time – The Last Supper – Da Vinci's legendary painting from the wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie near Milan. The decaying fresco portrayed Jesus and His disciples at the moment that Jesus announced one of them would betray Him. â€Å"I know the fresco, yes.† â€Å"Then perhaps you would indulge me this little game? Close your eyes if you would.† Uncertain, Sophie closed her eyes.† Where is Jesus sitting?† Teabing asked. â€Å"In the center.† â€Å"Good. And what food are He and His disciples breaking and eating?† â€Å"Bread.† Obviously.† Superb. And what drink?† â€Å"Wine. They drank wine.† â€Å"Great. And one final question. How many wineglasses are on the table?† Sophie paused, realizing it was the trick question. And after dinner, Jesus took the cup of wine, sharing it with His disciples. â€Å"One cup,† she said. â€Å"The chalice.† The Cup of Christ.The Holy Grail. â€Å"Jesus passed a single chalice of wine, just as modern Christians do at communion.† Teabing sighed. â€Å"Open your eyes.† She did. Teabing was grinning smugly. Sophie looked down at the painting, seeing to her astonishment that everyone at the table had a glass of wine, including Christ. Thirteen cups. Moreover, the cups were tiny, stemless, and made of glass. There was no chalice in the painting. No Holy Grail. Teabing's eyes twinkled. â€Å"A bit strange, don't you think, considering that both the Bible and our standard Grail legend celebrate this moment as the definitive arrival of the Holy Grail. Oddly, Da Vinci appears to have forgotten to paint the Cup of Christ.† â€Å"Surely art scholars must have noted that.† â€Å"You will be shocked to learn what anomalies Da Vinci included here that most scholars either do not see or simply choose to ignore. This fresco, in fact, is the entire key to the Holy Grail mystery. Da Vinci lays it all out in the open in The Last Supper† Sophie scanned the work eagerly. â€Å"Does this fresco tell us what the Grail really is?† â€Å"Not what it is,† Teabing whispered. â€Å"But rather who it is. The Holy Grail is not a thing. It is, in fact†¦ a person†

Food Industry Essay

Food Industry is one of the complexes which involve a vast global collection of many businesses that come together to avail food energy consumed throughout the world population. Those farmers who merely depend on food that they plant are not considered to be part of food industry in these modern days. The food industry includes the following: – Regulations- These regulations range from local to international rules and regulations which govern food production and sales, food quality and safety, and general industry lobbying activities (David, Grotton, 1979, pg417). – Education- This can be academic which results to professional in food production, vocational which involves basic training or consultancy which deals on consultation regarding different food products. – Research and development- This involves food technology in order to invest various ways of food production which does not exist in the market. – Financial services which include insurance and credit services. – Manufacturing- Food industry involved in manufacturing of Agro-chemicals, seeds, farm machinery and supplies of agricultural construction. – Agriculture- This is a basic area in food industry since it deals with raising of crops, livestock and also sea foods which are the main raw material used in food industries. – Food processing- This involves preparing fresh products for sale in markets and also it involves manufacture of already prepared food products. – Marketing- This deals with promotion of new products in market. It also gets views from public opinion by advertising packaging and public relation. – Wholesale and distribution- This is done in warehouses, transportation and logistics. – Retails- Food products are basically sold in supermarkets, stones, direct con. Summer restaurants and other food services centers. Therefore, food industry basically covers all aspects of food production and sales. All transactions between productions of food up to the time food is taken to the market are taken care of. The industry size of food production is quite wide since it covers worldwide population and it’s approximately US $3. 2 trillion in 2004. For example, in United State they spend about US $ 1 trillion annually for food or almost ten percent of their gross domestic product (Harratio, 2007, pg 370). This industry due to its diversity and great need to expand it has around 16. 5 million people who are employed in the industry. Food industry regulations are very vital in every stage from production to consumption. These stages include production, processing, distribution, retail, packaging and labeling of all food products. All these are governed by a mass of laws, regulations, code of practice and guidance. There are general food laws which must be followed by everyone whether one is working in a food business or he or she is involved in consumption of the food productions. This deals mainly with registration of foods which are either imported or exported, the safety of food, labeling, product withdrawals and recall (Brown, 2001, pg 439). For example, the main food laws which are used in United Kingdom are:- – Food safety act of 1990 which involved registration of general food registration in Great Britain. – General food law regulation 178/2002. – General food regulations 2004. This incorporated imposition of penalties to those who breaks food regulation. Some of the food safety and consumer protection offenses include – Rendering foods which can injure one’s health by either: I ) Adding something harmful to food. ii) Using harmful ingredients in production of food. iii) Removing any food constituent which can benefit the consumer iv) Passing food through processes which are no recommended. – Selling product to purchaser which is not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the buyer. – Using false descriptions or presentation of foods in order to entice customers. – Commission of defense is due to the act of default of another person, the other person is guilt of the offense. – In European countries, Food imported to these countries must comply with all their Food safety regulations or else they should enter into an agreement with the exporting countries for those requirements. – Exportation by European countries demands that food should meet the required food law, not unless the importing country demands otherwise as per their laws. – The safety standards of food should be followed strictly this is passed by the law that states: Food shall not be placed in market if it’s unsafe. Food can be regarded as unsafe if its-injurious to one’s health. – Unfit for human consumption. – The labeling, advertising, presentation and setting of food product for consumer should be done in such a way that it would no mislead the consumer. – For traceability purposes, operators of business need to keep accurate records of food, food substances and producing animals supplied to their businesses and also records of suppliers where they buy their commodities which should ensure that this information shall be made available to authorities on demand. – Food business operator can withdraw food which is not complying with safety standards incase it has left their control and recall food incase it has reached the consumer. In case any company breakdown any of these offenses, the company is liable to penalties laid down by general food regulation (Windsor, 1959, pg 37). Food law guide is a process which needs to be updated each and every time in order to comply with food standard every time. In food industry, there should be regulatory impact assessment team which its main duty is assessment of costs, benefits and risks of regulations laid down which could adversely affect the business in one way or another. These teams are either produced by government or agencies which have statutory powers for making laws. The government is trying to put up better regulatory initiatives which will work with food standard agency which is a statutory body which protects public health and consumer’s other interest related to food and drinks. Deregulation can lead to food safety coming to a critical condition since it opposes most of the regulation acts imposed in food production till marketing time. These deregulations may include:- – Free trade agreement. Due to free trade agreement the safety standards of food during export and import times are looked down upon and this can lead to harmful consumption of food. For any successful company to grow well, merging with other companies is quite essential since it enables diversity and acquisition of new methods and formulas which the merging company has. Merging stimulate growth and expression of ideas to give a wide range of products to be produced. The main aim of encouraging merging and acquisition of businesses is to reduce the number of firms operating on one same thing and consequently they increase concentration since the number of firms have lessen and therefore management can focus on something substantial since they are concentrating on a smaller area than before. Also through merging and acquisition companies promote anticompetitive pricing behavior since operations will be taking place on one company which can set standard prices for each items (Manley, 1940, pg 83). In food industry, they have focused merging as something that can bring great impact in economy since it basically changes employment structures. Therefore merges and acquisition results to workers dislocation since the companies will be fewer than before which lead to retrenchment of some workers. The food industry had two distinct mergers and acquisition involved in eight different food industries. These occurred from 1977 to 1982 and from 1982 to 1987. This mergers and acquisitions did not necessary portray the processes causing workers dislocation and lost wages. During the acquisition and mergers, small plants in food industries were added workers during the first merge wave but not during the second one. Mergers and acquisition had small but positive effect on wage during the first merger of 1977-1982 while little effect was felt during the second merger period. Mergers and acquisition also enables many plants to exit their industries during the 1977-82 period and facilitated closure of some firms during the period during 1982-1987. Therefore productivity can be increased and profitability of industry enhanced by actively participating in acquisition and merging of industries. Joint venture by different companies helps the businesses to grow increasingly and therefore increases business interest. Joint ventures also help the business to diversify its products and it basically operates like mergers and acquisition (Zhouying, 2005, pg317). Food technology has greatly advanced in many food companies through invention of new ways of production and marketing of food produce. Food supply chains in any food industry must give way to dynamic supply network and elaborate food technology that drive them. Technology enables high volumes of distributed transactions which take place between different members of supply chain in a rapid and low cost manner. Food technology should be used even during marketing to fit to a variety of transactions.

Brief Psychoanalysis of A Perfect Day for Bananafish Essay

J. D. Salinger’s A Perfect Day for Bananafish depicts the psychological struggles of Seymour Glass, a veteran of the Second World War. Through Freudian psychoanalysis, the different aspects of the effects of his war-damaged psyche on his ability to perform in society become clear. There are several instances during which it becomes obvious that Seymour’s superego does not function in the same manner as that of the adults around him. It is also evident that his id is the most dominant force for his unusual behavior, but not by the pleasure principle. Rather, it is the childlike innocence that is the facet of his id that is the primary motivation for him to act the way he does. Finally, in the ending, Seymour’s ego comes to the conclusion that it is simply impossible for him to fit into the materialistic society that has come to be. Thus, it can be seen that the war and the society that Seymour returns to after the war play equally important roles in leading up to his suicide. Seymour’s dysfunctional superego becomes evident during Muriel’s conversation with her mother. The mentions of his actions regarding â€Å"The trees. That business with the window. Those horrible things he said to Granny about her plans for passing away. What he did with all those lovely pictures from Bermuda. † all point to various actions that indicate that Seymour’s sense of right and wrong-which is associated with the superego-does not recognize the distinction between things that are socially acceptable and things that are not. Furthermore, it is also implied that this damage to his psychological state stems from the war, which may be a sign of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Of course, PTSD was unheard of during this time period, so Seymour remained untreated for it. This defective superego is then unable to contest the id properly. As a result, Seymour’s id is given partial freedom and so he acts childishly, making things up and pointing things out that are considered foolish. One such example is when he asks Sybil whether â€Å"Whirly Wood, Connecticut is anywhere near Whirly Wood, Connecticut. † In fact, the entirety of his interaction with Sybil is an example of the uncontrolled id. Along with his invented bananafish, this serves to illustrate that his innocence is the primary reason for how he acts. However, this leads to an irreconcilable difference between Seymour and the rest of society, as the rest of society is primarily dictated by their superego. This is best portrayed by the events mentioned in passing during Muriel’s conversation with her mother, and the thing he tells the woman in the elevator: â€Å"I see you’re looking at my feet. Whether or not the woman was actually looking at his feet at all is obviously unimportant; the brief exchange between Seymour and the unnamed woman serves to depict the rift between Seymour and the rest of the world. This rift eventually leads Seymour’s ego, which is tasked with the interaction with external stimuli, to the conclusion that he can no longer coexist with the rest of society. As a result, the only course of action that he can see is that of suicide. Thus, both WWII and the materialism of the society left in WWII’s wake are equally responsible for Seymour’s death. Had the war not damaged Seymour’s psyche to the point where his superego could no longer oppose his id, the whole series of events would not have taken place to begin with. Had society not been converted to follow the ideals of materialism, Seymour would not have found that he was unable to fit into society. But because both did what they did, Seymour’s death became an inherent result of the combination of events that culminated here.

How Is Emotion Expressed in Chinese Opera Essay - 1

How Is Emotion Expressed in Chinese Opera - Essay Example However, the vocal techniques and speech skills of performers begin to affect the audience in a unique way as the performance continues. Musical progressions and costumes of Chinese actors are different from anything witnessed in European opera. The Chinese counterpart stands distinguished in the respect that vocal techniques are used primarily in songs. Research claims that these techniques form a core principle because they help to express emotion in Chinese opera by enhancing â€Å"the aesthetic qualities of sound in the language of the pihuang musical system† (Wichmann 267). The musical system employed in Chinese opera is called Pei Huang. Musical progressions hold extreme importance in Chinese opera in terms of expressing emotion which is why Chinese opera is also sometimes called pihuang theatre. The pihuang system comprises of many elements like modal system and modes which are arranged according to requirements of a specific play to demonstrate â€Å"the fundamental p sychology of its major characters† (Wichmann 53). Discuss the debate about Nandan performance in the first several decades of the twentieth century. What were the arguments for and against men playing female roles on the Chinese opera stage? Give a brief historical overview of cross-gender performance in Chinese opera. The debate about Nandan performance poses fatal questions to Chinese opera. People still argue if it is right to abolish Nandan or not. Nandan performance is about female impersonation in Chinese opera. The early Republican era or the first several decades of the 20th century are considered the best of times for Nandan performers who are male actors entrusted with the controversial job of portraying women. The Republican stage in the early 20th century promoted the popularity of Nandan stars like Mei Lanfang and Cheng Yanqiu. These Nandan performers surpassed other male actors who played roles of idealistic macho type men.  Ã‚  

Discrimination Against Chinese Indonesian Research Paper

Discrimination Against Chinese Indonesian - Research Paper Example Native Indonesians have been discriminating Chinese locals until today. However, efforts have been made to eliminate racism now. According to â€Å"dictionary.com†, the definition of racism is defined as a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others. Jealousy and pride are possible causes of the discrimination towards Chinese-Indonesians, although a democratic-based philosophical principles ‘Pancasila’ is being implemented to every Indonesian (Chang 155). Chinese Indonesians have been discriminated against in Indonesia, and this should not happen. Discrimination from native Indonesians to Chinese Indonesians was and sometimes is still obvious, because although Chinese Indonesians are the minority, they dominate vital business and play a vital role in the country’s economy. Phillip She non, author of The Gazette, states that â€Å"The success of the Chinese is widely envied - and resented - in Indonesia, an archipelago of 180 million people and the fourth most populous nation on earth. The average annual per capita income is about $600† (ProQuest). Jealousy arises as native people tend to be low-classed workers, while Chinese Indonesians are marked as a ‘high-classed’ society. ... In fact, Chinese Indonesians have become the target of crime in Indonesia, because many native Indonesians have envied their success in financial, education, etc. Unlike in the United States and South Africa where racism is seen to manifest itself in terms of color, racism in Indonesia has gone beyond and has given rise to human right violations in the social, economic, political, legal, and cultural spheres of the society (Chang 152). The policy of â€Å"divide and rule† which was endorsed by colonial rulers aimed at distorting peaceful coexistence of native Indonesians and Chinese Indonesians. In fact, this policy was later advanced by government led by Sukarno whereby legislation was passed by the government which prohibited Chinese from conducting business in the country side (Chang 153). In 1998, there was anti-Chinese Indonesians violence in some cities, including Solo. I was 4 years old at that time, and I didn’t really understand anything. Apparently, the Asian financial crisis in May 1998 caused political turmoil in Indonesia; this led to anti-Chinese Indonesians riots. Greg Barton, author of Abdurrahman Wahid: Muslim Democrat, Indonesian President, clarifies that â€Å"Further adding to this uncertainty was an outbreak of sudden episodes of violence in small towns in Central and East Java, mostly directed against the ethnic Chinese† (Barton 233). My whole family escaped to a safer place in Semarang. As Medy Loekito asserts in her poem titledâ€Å"14 May 1998†, the riot was traumatizing and terrible, many cars were burnt on streets, and many Chinese Indonesians’ houses were burnt and destroyed as well. The television was showing how a mountain of men screamed and cried as they were losing their loved ones, their valuable properties,

IP6 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IP6 - Essay Example m is that the ownership of the brand and the modus operandi for the delivery of the product are retained by the franchisor, and execution is a franchisee responsibility† (Franchising as Entrepreneurship, n.d.) As an entrepreneur, I have to concentrate only on the execution area of the business rather than running after business idea, business plan, and training of the employees. The required product for the business and the business strategies will be readily available for me if I opt for franchising. â€Å"Business format franchisees typically perform services, but may sell and install a product in conjunction with such service (e.g., fast food restaurants, automotive aftermarket product replacement services.† (Jamie G, 2009)† For example suppose I opt for the franchising business of a service delivery system (SDS) of fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The KFC company will take responsibility of providing me the product (Chicken and other associated ite ms), the training of my staffs (like how to approach and behave with the customers, what strategies must be taken for attracting more customers, precautions required for keeping the products clean and fresh, hygienic conditions requirements, etc), sales promotion strategies, and all the other activities required for the successful execution of the business. I have to concentrate fully on the implementation part of the business like, how well the instructions obtained from the franchisee is being executed in my firm. Customer demands may be different at different locations and hence the franchisor must make custom made SDS for each location. For example, a franchisor who works on fast food services, must recognize the needs of the customers in each locations since the eating habits of people can be different based on region, religion and culture. The eating habits of Muslim people may be different from that of Christian and Jews people. As a franchisor I have to consider all such factors to fine tune

Terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Terrorism - Research Paper Example for protection rackets or to enforce a code of silence is usually not labeled terrorism though these same actions may be labeled terrorism when done by a politically motivated group (Beatriz, 2011). Terrorism has been practiced by a broad array of political organizations for furthering their objectives. It has been practiced by right-wing and left-wing political parties, nationalistic groups, religious groups, revolutionaries, and ruling governments. An abiding characteristic is the indiscriminate use of violence against noncombatants for the purpose of gaining publicity for a group, cause, or individual. The symbolism of terrorism can leverage human fear to help achieve these goals (San, 2011). The only general characteristic of terrorism generally agreed upon is that it involves violence and the threat of violence. The terms "terrorism" and "terrorist" (someone who engages in terrorism) carry strong negative connotations. These terms are often used as political labels, to condemn violence or the threat of violence by certain actors as immoral, indiscriminate, and unjustified or to condemn an entire segment of a population. Those labeled "terrorists" by their opponents rarely identify themselves as such, and typically use other terms or terms specific to their situation, such as separatist, freedom fighter, liberator, revolutionary, vigilante, militant, paramilitary, guerrilla, rebel, patriot, or any similar-meaning word in other languages and cultures. Jihad, mujahidin, and fedayeen are similar Arabic words which have entered the English lexicon. It is common for both parties in a conflict to describe each other as terrorists. Terrorist attacks are usually carried out in such a way as to maximize the severity and length of the psychological impact. Each act of terrorism is a â€Å"performance† devised to have an impact on many large audiences. Terrorists also attack national symbols, to show power and to attempt to shake the foundation of the country or society

Modern Art as Creative Expression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Modern Art as Creative Expression - Essay Example The essay "Modern Art as Creative Expression" analyzes modern art. It is true that in some modern art, some non-representational designs found its way in museums and art exhibits to provide lessons on the aesthetic approach by seeing the surface of things, not their meanings, subjects, and all the connotations they may have for us. Personally, the issue should not really be whether one hates or loves modern art. Each and everyone is entitled to one’s personal opinion. However, one must closely evaluate what values have modern art provided today’s generation – what legacy would it give to the future generations. Modern art, as averred by Bishop through The Spirit of Modernism was shaped by turbulent events like war, fascism and the rise of the mass society. These factors have profoundly influenced the unconventional, non-representational designs expressed by contemporary artists. Jackson Pollock’s painting which removed all subject matter in consideration could either be treated as a subject of the I-thou (or intrinsic relation) leaving viewers to a feeling of resignation by leaving things as they are. It, however, provides the opportunity for practicing the aesthetic approach in humanities. Definitely, the artist has a reason for creating art in the way that was presented. The interesting part is to decipher diverse angles, dimensions, and perspectives accorded by non-representational art works. Modern art offered artists with opportunities to go beyond traditional rules in art and expression by a free flow.

Wind Energy in Scotland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Wind Energy in Scotland - Essay Example Wilson further considers the site near Peebles in the Scottish Borders one of the most powerful in the country with 24 wind turbines, each standing 75 metres high. If all planned wind farms go ahead, Wilson notes, the Borders will be the renewable energy capital of Britain, with more jobs for more people and the ability to help the Government meet its own targets of 10% of electricity being produced from sustainable energy by 2010. The optimism expressed by the energy minister, however, is one-sided and does not take into consideration any of the controversy surrounding use of wind power. Nick Goodall (2002) of the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) expresses his belief that the major issues involved in utilising wind resources are not technical but institutional. 'Planning' and 'Connection' are two areas of principal concern. One potential threat to further development of wind energy is the existence of small but vocal anti-wind farm activist groups. BWEA suggests that configuration of smaller-scale wind farms should be considered along with larger on- and offshore projects. Inclusive working groups should be established to consider the interests of all affected parties. Planning, connection and marketing issues require continued attention. Electricity generation accounts for only 20% of Scotland's energy needs according to the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) (Paterson, 2006), and the apparently simple resolution of using wind sources could take away from research into other renewable resources. However, if hydrogen technology increases sufficiently, IEE suggests that an increased electricity component might be necessary. Global considerations should be addressed when developing wind energy policies. Interactions between different policy instruments should be carefully assessed to avoid potential conflicts and inefficiencies. The decline of oil and gas fields of the UK continental shelf will increase Scotland's dependence on non-indigenous sources; in the longer term, global competition for primary energy will grow as global competitors increase along with gradual depletion of global resources. In use of wind, wave and tidal technologies, wind power represents the most feasible option; however the variability of wind power could create considerable technical challenges for the management of the grid and could necessitate substantial thermal back-up capacity (Paterson, Section 4, pp. 2-3). In Scotland, wind is taken for granted, but it definitely is not available at the same degree of power from day to day. A mix of generation technologies that can be connected at every level of the electricity supply chain needs to be developed. Some of the new technologies, particularly wind, introduce new challenges due to the inherent variability of power supply. In Scotland's government report on strategies for developing a renewable energy program (Choosing, 2005), rhetoric throughout the report overwhelms the

Music of Schoenberg and Debussy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Music of Schoenberg and Debussy - Research Paper Example The third period was marked by his invention of â€Å"twelve-tone† method of composition. It is often claimed that musical pieces of this composer reflect the characteristics of Brahms and Wagner. On the one hand, the directions of musical developments of these two opposing composers cannot be compared, but on the other hand, Schoenberg succeeded in uniting them into one perfect conglomerate. A selected piece of music composed by Schoenberg is Op. 08, where he accelerates and escapes from traditional Wagnerian tones. A principle of linear time is reflected in a direct motion in music. The principles of tonality were very important for the musical pieces of 20th century and compositions of Schoenberg follow those tendencies as well. Historical context of this composition plays a very important role for further discussion. This piece of music is thought to be finished in 1909 and he completed it in 2 weeks. That period was a crisis for the composer and these feelings and emotion s are evidently reflected in his music. The record Erwartung 6 lieder Op. 08 is believed to be a new stage for musical development of the composer, when he exceeded the limits of Romanticism and German culture (Evans, 2001). This piece of music is distinguished by depth of expression, easy comprehension and distinction, though it was often argued by critics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The name of its piece of music is Erwartung or Expectation. It is a story about a woman, who is waiting for her lover, but then finds his body dead. The beginning and the end of the composition are calm ones, but in the middle of this piece of music are essential ascents. Therefore, these characteristics can be considered as belonging to non-conventional music. The composer’s personality was unconventional at that time as well, because Hitler did not like him because of his Jewish nationality. His musical pieces were full of subjectivity and unconscious. The implementation of atonal dissonance did not reflect the main characteristics of Romanticism. It was beyond harmony and it was something new and unique (McKay, 1987). Schoenberg was looking for the ways of new developments and he wanted a new field for his self-expression. A language of dodecaphony was invented by this composer. This language of music can be described in the following way: sounds, like words can be either expressed or not. They can become cultural symbols for expressions and reflections of a given individuality of a composer. This is the specific context of dodecaphonic musical expression. Lauro Machado Coelho claimed that Schoenberg managed to open new ways for musical aesthetics’ reflection. The composer did not intend to position his music as a revolutionary one. Schoenberg made an emphasis on creativity and imagination, that is why during 19071908 he refused from the concept of tonality and rushed into expressionism. This piece of music, â€Å"Erwartung† is a bright exampl e of this tendency. Nevertheless, there is a huge psychological impact exerted on it, because it was written during a period, when Mathilde, a wife of Schoenberg, left him and had an affair with Richard Gerstl, who killed himself after Mathilde’

Research methods in Starbucks' case Dissertation

Research methods in Starbucks' case - Dissertation Example The paper gives detailed information about survey method based on questionnaire that should be selected for determining the image coffee drinkers have of Starbucks and other coffee chains. Questionnaires are intrinsic part of quantitative research methodology that primarily relies on the fact that data can be quantified and therefore can be applicable on large number of people. The generalization theory becomes one of the most critical aspects of validating facts and scientific theories. This helps to identify and evaluate the changing preferences of the people at large vis-Ã  -vis products and services. It would therefore significantly help Starbucks to introduce new products within its stores/ shop across the globe. Questionnaire survey would facilitate Starbucks in evaluating the preferences of the customers. At the same time, it would also help it to improve and improvise new strategies and plans to attract customers and retain them by meeting their changing requirements and exp ectations from the Starbuck brand. Observation research methodology broadly encompasses looking and listening carefully to the consumers so as to decipher particular reaction or discover information about their behavior with regard to a particular product or service. Hence, prior to the introduction of new gourmet coffee with strong aroma, observational research technique would considerably facilitate in evaluating its impact on the consumers.

Trickster Tale Revised Essay Example for Free

Trickster Tale Revised Essay Lions are the only cats in the animal kingdom with a mane. A lions mane, which is to say, the majestic head of hair growing around the large male cats neck and framing its face is central and unique to its appearance, and   has always been an iconic symbol of a lions strength and physical fortitude, and one which appears to crown and affirm his title as the apparent king of the jungle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But the lion wasnt always king of the jungle, and it didnt always have its mane.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Once, in the far stretches of an African savannah, where every animal was said to be born and breathed into existence, there lived a maneless male lion, who lacked confidence in his appearance and was unsure of himself, but at the same time, was cunning and malicious.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One afternoon, Lion traveled the extent of the savannah looking for a waterhole, and   came across a creature with four spindly legs and a set of what appeared to be branches of wood stemming from above its head, who went by the name Deer. Deer told Lion that it was the first time he had ever seen a creature who appeared so plain and was devoid of any markings and distinctive features whatsoever.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lion was insulted by Deers disparaging remark, but told Deer that he had never seen as more common a creature as well, because many of the creatures Lion has come across with bore the same twigs or branches of wood on their heads, and that contrary to Deers remark, Lion, not having the said feature, was in fact, what made him distinct and unique. This brought Deer to contemplate on his appearance. Lion persuaded Deer to rid himself of the bland thing stemming from his head which made Deer plain, and Deer did as Lion directed, removed his horns and walked away, pleased and elated by his apparent newfound uniqueness. Lion, upon Deers departure, took the horns, and wore it for himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pleased with his change of appearance, Lion proudly roamed the savannah, and upon reaching the waterhole, came across an animal whose skin was covered with striped markings of black and white, who was called zebra. Zebra told Lion that he knew of many animals which grew horns above their heads, but none which bore the same markings of black and white as his. Lion, refusing to be categorized among the many animals who shared the features he thought would separate and distinguish him from the rest of the creatures in the grasslands, and finding that the lie he told Deer appeared to be, in fact, true, dispatched of his horns, and took Zebras stripes for his own.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bearing stripes of black and white, Lion was on his way home when he saw Cheetah, who bore black circular markings against his brown flesh, stood looking at Lion, laughing. Lion demanded to know what Cheetah found hilarious, and Cheetah replied that Lions black and white stripes not only look unnatural and unsophisticated against his flesh, but was about the most ridiculous thing he had ever seen in the grasslands so far. This incensed and angered Lion the most as he had gone through great lengths reinventing himself, and being called ridiculous and laughed at to his face was more than he could take. So he rid himself of the unnatural and unsophisticated markings that was Zebras and was about to take Cheetahs spots for his own when Cheetah evaded him. Lion ran after Cheetah, but Cheetah proved too fast for him to apprehend. As though speed wasnt already enough of a factor, his pursuit of Cheetah brought him across various obstacles, including pool of sticky mud, which Lion arose from exhausted and grimy, and after which, he gave up the chase and retired to sleep.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the instance of his waking, Lion finds that the sticky pool of mud which he narrowly escaped not only clung and melded to his skin, in a rich golden brown, but stuck a significant amount of a similar color appearing as hair, covering the skin surrounding his face,   from the expanse of wilted grass in the savannah in which he slept in. Over time, The golden grass approximating hair would adapt, meld, and grow with Lions physicality, and with it, his confidence, self assurance and courage would develop and grow as well. The audacity of his actions, and the said confidence and self assurance brought about by his change of appearance would later on bring him into being proclaimed as king of the jungle.

Theories and studies about reducing racial prejudice

Theories and studies about reducing racial prejudice Everyone has a race or ethnic group that they see themselves as being part of. On the other hand, not all people are exposed to stinging words or physical harm from a prejudiced individual because of the color of their skin. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (2005), there are approximately 210,000 hate crimes a year; racial prejudice is the motivation for over half of them. This paper will discuss theories and studies on ways to reduce racial prejudice. Racial prejudice has been around since groups of people could distinguish themselves from one another (Milner, 1983). The 1920s were when prejudice started catching the attention of psychologists as a social phenomenon that needed to be studied (Duckitt, 1992). Samelson (1978) talked about how tests between races were first meant to measure individuality but soon the authors were publishing empirical evidence that Whites were superior to Blacks (as cited in Duckitt, 1992, p. 1185). Milner (1983) states that prejudice occurs because people become frustrated, need a scapegoat, or because they are feeling some anxiety and need a way to release it. One of the first texts on prejudice and reducing prejudice was written by Gordon W. Allport. Encouraged by Robin Williams study on conditions that further the reduction of racism, Allport wrote The Nature of Prejudice in which he discusses his contact hypothesis (Utsey, Ponterotto, Porter, 2008). Allport (1954) stated that prejudice may be reduced by equal status contact between majority and minority groups in the pursuit of common goals (p. 281). Allport (1954) also says there are eight different areas of contact, causal, residential, occupational, recreational, religious, civic and fraternal, political, and goodwill intergroup activities. Allport (1954) says that both state and federal legislation can be used to pass antidiscrimination laws and have public agencies enforce these laws. According to Allport (1954), there are six programs that can be used to reduce prejudice. They are formal educational methods, contact and acquaintance programs, group retraining methods, mass media, exhortation, and individual therapy. Allport (1954) feels that individual therapy is the best one, yet no study has been convincing of this. Allport (1954) describes formal educational methods as teaching about prejudice in the school setting. There are five types of formal educational methods. There is the informational approach, direct approach, indirect approach, the approach through vicarious experience, and the project method. The next method is contact and acquaintance programs which means that White people and Black people get together and get to know each other. The third method is group retraining. In group retraining, the outgroup members and the ingroup members switch roles and try to become empathetic to each other. The fourth method is mass media in which messages are sent in the media spreading information on tolerance of others. The next method is exhortation which is like religion in which leaders spread the message of tolerance of other people. Finally, there is individual therapy in which a person meets with a therapist to change their way of thinking. Blincoe and Harris (2009) talk about three major programs that cause a minimization in racial prejudice. Cooperation is similar to Allports (1954) contact theory. This program has been used in jigsaw classrooms in which children are broken up into racially varied group and then each child is given a piece of information to teach to the others (Aronson Bridgeman, 2007; Blincoe Harris, 2009). Along with the children learning information, they also showed higher self-esteem, liked school more, and for minorities, their school grades had improved (Aronson Bridgeman, 2007). The tolerance program is synonymous with political tolerance and the respect program is supposed to reinforce and encourage diversity (Blincoe Harris, 2009). Crisp and Turner (2009) hypothesize that imagining contact with an outgroup can have a close or same effect on diminishing prejudice as actual contact with an outgroup. Turner, Crisp, and Lambert, (2007) found that participants who imagined an optimistic interaction with an outgroup member conveyed more positive attitudes and less prejudice than those who did not (as cited in Crisp Turner, 2009). Stathi and Crisp (2008) did a study that showed that even though projection of positive self traits is higher for ingroups than outgroups (Clement Krueger, 2002), positive imagined contact leads to greater projection of positive traits to outgroups (as cited in Crisp Turner, 2009, p. 234). In addition to contact theory, there is the goal based approach which consists of three goals that people need to reach. These are comprehension goals, self-enhancement goals, and motivation to avoid prejudice (Kunda Spencer, 2003). Kunda and Spencer (2003) say that comprehension goals include the need to understand events, reduce the complexity of the environment, gain cognitive clarity, and form rational impressions. Stereotypes serve these needs by enabling perceivers to simplify and understand the huge amounts of social information that they confront and to make inferences that go beyond available information (p. 524). They also say that self-enhancement goals include the need to protect and enhance self-esteem. Lastly, motivation to avoid prejudice inhibits the activation of stereotypes. When people notice that they are treating others differently because of their skin color, they will feel the discrepancies because they know it is not right. Therefore they feel guilty which ma kes them repress their prejudiced thoughts. Another part of the goal-based theory is why there is prejudice in the first place. Kenrick, Neugberg, and Cialdini (2009) feel that there are two things that prejudice does for people, it helps us gain economic resources and the characteristics of the other groups bring our economic goals to our attention. The first way to achieve the goals of the goal-based theory is to attempt to change the character of the prejudiced person. The second is to change the situation in which the prejudiced person feels like they can discriminate against others. Next is to give people a different way to satisfy their goals and last is to activate goals incompatible with prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. Part of the goal-based approach involves looking at the point of view of other people. Galinksy and Moskowitz (2000) say that when a person looks at themselves, they have higher favorable responses to the ingroup. Turner (1987) says favoritism increases toward the in-group (as cited in, Galinsky Moskowitz, 2000, p. 709). Therefore, thinking that you are part of the outgroup will increase positive responses to them and decrease prejudice thoughts about them (Galinsky Moskowitz, 2000). In the judicial area, the goal-based approach has some significance. Studying about prejudice and ingroups and outgroups can become very important especially for those who may be suing another person in civil court for injury that they could have caused. People tend to like others who are similar to them (Kerr, Hymes, Anderson, Weathers, 1995). If a juror feels that they are not similar to the plaintiff in a malpractice case that juror might feel that the plaintiff should get a lower amount of money to compensate for the damages or perhaps believe they should not get any money at all. The same applies to the defendant. If the juror feels they are similar to the defendant than they could be more lenient on his punishment (Green Bornstein, 2003). However, Marques and Yzerbyt (1988) say that the opposite effect can also happen. That is, the jurors are harsher on an ingroup member because they are part of the ingroup and they pose a threat to the positive image of the ingroup members. They call it the black sheep effect in which positively viewed ingroup members are viewed better than outgroup members but negatively viewed ingroup members are viewed as being worse than outgroup members (as cited in, Green Bornstein 2003). Finally, there is the ignorance hypothesis. People experience prejudiced thoughts because they simply do not know any better (Kenrick, Neugberg, Cialdini, 2009). If everyone would interact with the other groups, they wouldnt stereotype individuals of other groups. However, Stephan and Stephan (1996) say research shows that this approach does little to reduce prejudice (as cited in, Kenrick, Neuburg, Cialdini, 2009). Case (2007) did a study in which college students were required to take a course on diversity. The course was designed to heighten recognition of White privilege and racism, raise support for affirmative action, and decrease prejudice, guilt, and fear of other races. The students took a survey at the beginning of the course which measured White privilege, awareness of racism, and the students level of racism to different ethnic groups. The same survey was given at the end of the semester as well. Results showed white privilege, awareness of racism and support for affirmative action increased. However, students reported greater fear of other races. Students levels of racism remained constant except for racism against Latinos, which increased. Case explains this as possibly being by chance or that the course could have actually increased prejudice. Blanchard, Lilly, and Vaughn (1991) hypothesized that hearing another person express strong antiracist opinions would have more of an effect than hearing another person express equal opinions or opinions that were more accepting of racism. They also speculated that when a person hears another person express strong support of racism, the first person showed less support of antiracism. They did two studies in which they interviewed college students in a group with a confederate who either openly expressed strong antiracist views or strong racist views when asked about a false situation in what should happen to another student who wrote racist notes. There was a neutral condition in which the participant answered the questions first and in the other condition the confederate answered first. The authors hypotheses were confirmed in both of the experiments. In 2007, four studies were done by Turner, Hewstone, and Loci that investigated self-disclosure as a mediator of the effect of cross-group friendship and vicarious experiences of such friendship (p. 371). The subjects for studies one were children between the ages of eight and twelve. The ages of the children for subjects two and three were 12 through 16. The last study included undergraduate students. In Study One, students were first given tasks that required them to categorize photographs of faces as negative or positive and White or Asian. The last tasks were to categorize White/Positive or Asian/Negative and White/Negative or Asian/Positive. In Study Two, the students were given questionnaires on their thoughts on the other ethnic group. The third study was the same as the second study except the experimenters used a larger group. In Study Four, White participants were given a questionnaire that measured predictor variables, mediator variables, and explicit outgroup attitude. So me of questions were, How often do you discuss intimate or personal issues with people who are Asian? (p. 380) and How rewarding are the interactions you have with Asian people? (p. 380). All four studies found that self-disclosure positively predicted explicit outgroup attitude. Vrij, Akehurst, and Smith (2003) conducted a study where people were shown cue cards and then were given surveys to measure prejudice. They focused on seven principles, that they say decrease prejudice when used in public campaigns. The seven principles are (1) an emphasis on similarities; (2) positive similarities in a positive context; (3) many representative members; (4) provision of explicit information; (5) employ a credible source; (6) state illegality; (7) central and peripheral routes to persuasion (p. 285). Each of the cue cards had one of the seven principles or the opposite of it. For example, state illegality was shown on one cue card as one White man and one Black man approximately the same age with wording above them that said These two men applied for a job as an Accounts Manager. The man on the left was turned down because he is Black (p. 291); the other card was the same as the first one but had the wording IT IS ILLEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE ON THE GROUNDS OF RACE (RACE R ELATIONS ACT, 1976) (p. 291). Subjects were then given a survey that measured their prejudice. Vrij, Akehurst, and Smith found that if the subject viewed a card that did not have one of the seven principles, their prejudice had increased versus if they had seen one of the principles. The two principles that had the most effect were emphasis of similarities and similarities in a positive context. Carpenter, Za ´rate, and Garzas study that was done in 2007, focused on using differences and individuality to reduce prejudice in groups that are African American, White American, Mexican American, and Mexican National. In Experiment One, the African American and White American participants were first primed with stories that had an emphasis on the personal self or others. Then, they filled out questionnaires while looking at pictures of African Americans and White Americans. The White Americans, who were primed to have an emphasis on others, had reduced prejudice. However, the African Americans showed no difference in prejudice levels. In Experiment Two, White Americans, Mexican Americans, and Mexican Nationals took self-esteem tests and then answered questions on all three groups. Carpenter, Za ´rate, and Garza (2007) found that self-esteem did not have any effect on prejudice and that looking at ways that your own ethnic group is different from other groups can lessen prejudi ce. Pettigrew and Tropp (2006) did a meta-analysis of over 500 studies and 713 independent samples that tested the intergroup contact theory. Their findings showed that intergroup contact does decrease intergroup prejudice. Pettigrew and Tropp go on to say that the conditions are not independent but entwined with each other. They also feel that intergroup contact can be utilized to end prejudice against other underrepresented groups. Racism not only exists among individual people but also in government forms. Billingsley and Giovannoni (1972) have been doing studies that show that African American children have been consistently counted out from services provided by child welfare establishments, they believe this is due to racism that exists in these institutions (as cited in, Miller Ward, 2008). Miller and Ward (2008) say there has been overrepresentation of African Americans in the welfare system for a long time. They then go on to talk about the Breakthrough Series Collaborative (BSC) methodology was used to analyze the welfare systems racism and then identify strategies to reduce the racial disproportions. The BSC theory of change has six areas which are (1) increase the awareness and understanding of the issue, (2) identify challenges and test strategies for improvement, (3) implement site-level policy and practice improvements, (4) spread the improvements throughout the larger system, (5) sustain system-wi de improvements, and (6) improve child and family outcomes (p. 227). Many participants of the program reported being able to achieve a fully functional program in their location. However, the participants said they had difficulty spreading changes from their location to a larger system. More work still needs to be done to stop the racial prejudice that occurs in the welfare system. There are also racial discrepancies in the health care system. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2006, the age-adjusted death rate for White Americans of both sexes, was 764.4 and for African Americans of both sexes, it was 982.0 (Heron, Hoyert, Murphy, Xu, Kochanek, Tejada-Vera, 2009). In 2002, Dovidio et al. conducted a study of racism that occurs during an emergency. White subjects were half as likely to help a Black person as they were to help a White person. While the participants opposed that the idea they were racist, it was the only difference in the fabricated emergency (as cited in Carlson Chamberlain, 2004, p. 375). Carlson and Chamberlain (2004) say that to reduce the health disparities between White Americans and African Americans, there must be a change in the research areas that combine social conditions with the physiological pathways to health and disease and that we need to join together on emotional levels to understand each other to c hange racial attitudes. In addition to healthcare and welfare, racism has even showed up in our grocery stores. In a study that was done in 2003, Topolski, Boyd-Bowman, and Ferguson found differences in the quality of fruits in grocery stores that were part of the same chain but were located in different parts of the city. They collected fruit samples from stores that were located in neighborhoods that had high socio-economic status and low socio-economic status. More minorities lived in the lower income neighborhoods. The quality of the fruit in the high SES neighborhood was better than the fruit that came from the other neighborhood, as judged by students who examined, ate the fruit and then rated them. As you can see, there is hope for eliminating racial prejudice. On the other hand, a lot of the studies that I presented in this paper were done with children and college students. It still leaves out a majority of the population. Yet, I think we have come a long way from previous generations in accepting others, especially in the case of race and ethnicity. If we eliminate or even reduce racial prejudice, then minority children will do better in school, they will have better economic and career opportunities, and will experience lower rates of crime against them. With the current research on racial prejudice, we could also apply these theories to sexism, homophobia, and ageism. Hopefully, in time, Andy Warhols I think everybody should like everybody quote will finally be true.

Little Price Story :: essays research papers

It all happened one day while I was sitting in my back yard trying to come up with ideas for my English paper. I had to write about my family. A little boy, maybe 8 or 9, my age, walked through the back gate and just stood there looking a bit confused. I asked him who he was and what he was looking for, and he responded, â€Å"Are you looking for a friend also?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I loved meeting new people so I said, â€Å"Sure, why not?† He asked me what I was doing and I explained my whole English paper project. He seemed pretty interested in what I had to say which surprised me because I thought this project was pretty boring. He then asked if he could help me and I said yes since I needed all the help I could get.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"What is your name?† I asked.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Name? Well the people on my planet just call me †Little Prince†. What is your umm name?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"On your planet? What do you mean on your planet?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"My planet, Sublime. What is your name?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Jacob, but I am still confused.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Don’t worry about it. I’ll explain some other time.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  So that was my first encounter with the Little Prince. I figured since he was going to be helping me write about my family, he should meet my family. I brought the Little Prince in to my house and up to my sister’s room where she was getting ready for her â€Å"big date† she had been babbling about ALL week.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hannah, this is my new friend I just met today. He is going to help me with my family project.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I don’t have time to worry about you and your little friends. I only have three hours until my date!†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Three hours?! It takes you that long to get ready?†, asked the Little Prince.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Well, yeah. I have to look really good for this guy!† Then the Little Prince looked at me and told me my sister was too caught up in self image, and that she worries too much about what others think about her. So now I have learned one new thing about my older sister. â€Å"Caught up in self image†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I thought I should jot that down on my yellow notepad that contains my notes for my paper (even though I did not have very many notes to begin with). I then heard my dad in the living room yelling at the television.

Aspects Of City Life - Crime. :: essays research papers

Aspects of City Life - Crime.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Different angles can be taken with regards to crime in the city, and further to this, the main topic can be broken down into smaller areas. I have conducted two types of research; Primary - Interviews etc. Secondary - Named Sources.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The question of crime and how it affects a city is perhaps best put to those people that have either lived in a city all their lives (thus knowing what the crime is like in the area), or to those that have moved to a city from a town or village (therefore being able to make a comparison between the types of crime and their severity in the two habitats).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A city, apart from having a great deal more shops, civic and recreational amenities, and night life will also have many more people - people that need somewhere to live, meaning vast expanses of housing estates and other residential areas. In Sunderland's case all of the above are true, and, as with many other cities across the country it has a very large student population. There are two centres of higher education in Sunderland - the university, and the college, both with large subscriptions. Although both have been established for a while now, it was only fairly recently that the old Polytechnic achieved university status. This has not only increased the size of the university in terms of property but also the number of students attending it. This therefore means that the overall size of Sunderland has increased, including the numbers of shops, clubs, recreational activities and also houses.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A great deal of people in Sunderland believe that their local pubs and clubs have been 'taken over' by students and at first there was a great deal of apprehension and tension between locals and students, often resulting in violent conflict. This still exists but to a much smaller extent. However, something that can be connected with this is the mugging and burglary that happens to a small minority of students. Obviously crime occurs everywhere, no matter where you live, but students are seen as easy targets due to their vulnerability, as well as the fact that they have money and valuable possessions. The severity of some of the attacks has been such that victims have needed extensive hospital treatment due to the injuries they have sustained. Security measures at certain halls of residence have been questioned after several attacks occurred in usually safe surroundings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most startling aspect of violent crime in this area is that it still occurs, despite increased policing and advice to students regarding how to

Childhood Guidelines :: essays research papers

When, it comes to raising a child a parent doesn’t really have guidelines. They want their kid to be successful, intelligent ,with what they need in life to be a good adult. But what do they need? I think three good things that a parent needs to teach their kids is good morals, respect, and independence. If these three things are integrated into a childhood, then I think that that child will be able to become a good human being.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Morals are a big part of childhood, because there are so many of them. What the difference between right and wrong is. If stealing is alright. We are not born with these inbeded into our heads. We get them from watching people. Just like how we learn to talk, we mimic our parents behavior. Parents are our biggest influence on us. They should show us their good morals. Of course everyone isn’t perfect, and we all make mistakes, yet when we do something wrong in front of a child we say something a long the lines as â€Å"What you just saw, don’t ever do it.† because we don’t want our children to do what we think is wrong. Morals dictate a lot of our lives Our jobs, what we learn in school and what we learn from people revolve around our morals. If we don’t believe that something isn’t right, then we don’t do it, and we learn that from our parents. That’s why morals are a big part of childhood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What we need to be taught is respect. Respect is major idea that needs to be carefully grown and cared for in children. If a child doesn’t have respect for people then they will not be able to get a job, and if they do, they won’t respect what they have and will lose it. If they don’t have respect for school then they are sure to drop out because they feel they can do without, not knowing the benefits of teaching and learning. If we don’t show our children respect, then generations to come will lose respect for things that which we hold dear. That’s why our children need to know respect is important.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Independence is something that comes with time. While we are young, we cling to our mothers for safety. We then start to crawl, yet when we are scared we cry until our mother picks us up. Childhood Guidelines :: essays research papers When, it comes to raising a child a parent doesn’t really have guidelines. They want their kid to be successful, intelligent ,with what they need in life to be a good adult. But what do they need? I think three good things that a parent needs to teach their kids is good morals, respect, and independence. If these three things are integrated into a childhood, then I think that that child will be able to become a good human being.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Morals are a big part of childhood, because there are so many of them. What the difference between right and wrong is. If stealing is alright. We are not born with these inbeded into our heads. We get them from watching people. Just like how we learn to talk, we mimic our parents behavior. Parents are our biggest influence on us. They should show us their good morals. Of course everyone isn’t perfect, and we all make mistakes, yet when we do something wrong in front of a child we say something a long the lines as â€Å"What you just saw, don’t ever do it.† because we don’t want our children to do what we think is wrong. Morals dictate a lot of our lives Our jobs, what we learn in school and what we learn from people revolve around our morals. If we don’t believe that something isn’t right, then we don’t do it, and we learn that from our parents. That’s why morals are a big part of childhood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What we need to be taught is respect. Respect is major idea that needs to be carefully grown and cared for in children. If a child doesn’t have respect for people then they will not be able to get a job, and if they do, they won’t respect what they have and will lose it. If they don’t have respect for school then they are sure to drop out because they feel they can do without, not knowing the benefits of teaching and learning. If we don’t show our children respect, then generations to come will lose respect for things that which we hold dear. That’s why our children need to know respect is important.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Independence is something that comes with time. While we are young, we cling to our mothers for safety. We then start to crawl, yet when we are scared we cry until our mother picks us up.

Human Rights on Film: Regret to Inform Essay

Life taken for the purpose of valor and nobility shows a terrible disparity between actions and reasons. Hollywood, when tackling the issues and conflicts of Vietnam War has the tendency to give more focus on how to show the life of a soldier in reference to their personal relationships. They are sometimes forgetting the crucial portion to discuss the political and social aspect of war. Vietnam War had been featured in some literary works, written and in film, and it is unusual that it had been perceived in a point of view of widows, who seems like the victims of war’s aftermath. Widows of Vietnam War, when used in art, tend to create subject of sentimentality but not with Barbara Sonneborn’s award-winning masterpiece, Regret to Inform, which showcases the situations and sufferings of women who had their husbands died in the midst of fires and bullets. The movie describes not just the lives of American women but also paid attention to the same frustrations that Vietnamese soldier’s wives in the extent of the war. Brief Review On the twentieth anniversary her husband’s death, Barbara decided to meet some war widows to learn more about the war. She attempted to root the actual nature of this war and analyze its extent of devastation. With this started as a personal quest, Sonneborn had expanded the picture of the war victim’s situations as she set foot on the land where Jeff died. This journey deepened her as she said (PBS 2010). This movie anticipated long time peace by sharing the views of isolated set of people involved in Vietnam War. It serves as a challenge for those who wish to realize the actual scenarios when war was waged. Regret to Inform is not created for the awareness of the public but for the purpose of inspiring the more humane side of every human who are doubtlessly sharing the same value for love and peace. This is a love story telling how deep love for country, love for humanity and camaraderie despite of the origin, race and disparity can be grouped and be transcended. It tells the story of victims of the real enemy of mankind which is the irrationality in our reactions and decisions. From the Character’s Viewpoint  Giving equal attention on widows of soldiers on both sides, western and Asian, the movie exuded profoundly the moving story about the aftermath of war in a straightforward manner as observed through feminine eyes. Sonneborn shares the post war predicaments with her companion, Xuan Ngoc Nguyen, another widow of the war and also followed the lives of some soldiers who were at war. It transcends the boundaries given that the same conflict brought these victim’s lost – the War. On one of the scenes there, a Vietnamese widow couldn’t believe that an American wanted to listen to the stories they had regarding the war. The war created horror which is inevitable for those people who are in the midst of it. But, the worst thing that it created is its extension right after the war is over. During the war, one of the actions taken by the US military is the application of chemical known as Agent Orange which aims to oppress their enemies in the forest. Some civilians had been affected by this move and their widows could do nothing but to express the sentiments regarding this unfair causality. As they say about the situation, it is either you are dead or you are not safe. Apparently, among them, no one will ever forget the hardship they had in order to survive that non-stop battle. The film shows no evil character as usually being used to portray Viet Nam. It is more than just identifying who’s right or wrong but apparently, the victims didn’t just concentrate in one side. Viet Nam, as the setting of the war didn’t carry the weight of all the war’s burden. It is just a location where the real enemy lies. The enemy here is neither a person nor a battalion of soldiers but the collective actions of misunderstanding, lack of diplomacy, violence resulting to death of children, women and men alike. The war is in Vietnam but its terror could have surpassed the oceans. When you are relying on media to hold on to the situation, what could we expect to happen? American women had the discomfort of being uncertain by feeling like anytime, they will be receiving bad news despite the fact that the war remained far from them. This uncertainty can make a woman walk thru life in a routine based pace without a grasp on what is going to the interviews part. It managed create the heart trembling spirit of each stories told. The interview part supplied some highlights in the movie. Good questions were given in the movie providing the most. These questions provoke unbiased reasoning of the people involved and managed to remove being self fulfilling in dwelling with the depression of those being interviewed. They questioned the righteousness versus faults such as when they are trying to ask whether a soldier can be considered a murderer or a hero. Sonneborn was able to use her skill as a visual artist as she was able to apply the sustained touch of great picture quality throughout the film. The feminine voice of the documentary’s narration serves as the perfect tool to bring out the right essence of the stories given. In fact, it is not the story which served the framework of the movie but the desire of Sonneborn to see the real picture of war and expanded as she tried to achieve it. Cultural Implications to the Human Rights Issues Views against each race differ relatively. Western people viewed Vietnam as a place for war, for violence and as a country of widow maker while Vietnamese people saw Americans and they saw oppression. Wars are being brought by differences in ideologies and poor application of international and civil policy. Culture should never violate anyone’s right to have protection from harm and being hurt, thus, we need to strive for total eradication of all unnecessary risks that may result to serious health consequences. Cruelty and inhumane practices such as waging war and counter offensive actions applied on physical integrity has no space in an ideal society between men and women regardless of the belief and ethnicity of a foreign class. If there is any way that this will be contradicting to a belief or a practice, it would not show lack of respect in customs and traditions because as a culture, all actions in a community contribute to its enrichment and should always to be perceived as evolving variable that defines an individual or a group. All collective actions of people in group made the culture established and there is no way that it can be destroyed but can only change to adopt in better situation in their immediate community. It only goes towards the direction of better conditions. All people in the world who has participations in war must serve as variable in making analysis thru discovering patterns of its occurrence. In this kind of issue and conflict, social planning requires sensitivity to all differences while achieving the goal of greater good in a way that luxurious peace can be very much affordable. Intellect and Emotion It was thought that the ability of an artwork to be appreciated and affect the heart relies on the ability of the craftsman to portray life as it is with the application of all his or her intellect and mastery of the craft. Barbara Sonneborn proved this ability as she created a well crafted piece and touch people around the world. There is a very thin line between being great and sentimental and no doubt that this masterpiece is a great one. Like in Michelangelo’s sculpture ‘Pieta’, which has the Madonna figure carrying Jesus with no tears, it doesn’t require such object to show the strength of the grasp of the artist in the reality. It is not all crying. It should be humane enough to capture humanistic side of any person. The movie is intrusive in the sense that it will show you a brand new perspective in the stereotyped subject. It pioneered new ideology regarding not just the Vietnam War but the war itself as a concept. The whole movie is coherent and let you hold until the end and this quality was sustained by the creator. This movies’ intellect is a challenge for the eager young filmmakers who wanted to create sociopolitical movies. The Issues and Conflicts Sonneborn married again and had been happy but her desire to accomplish her goal of identifying the entire relations of war as a social concept to her husband’s death suggests that there is something deeper than the lost of Jeff. She deserves to resolve the agonies that are situated in all war settings. This is the only way that a conclusion can be drawn in response to the issues and conflicts of her fellows who lost their husband in parallel to valor for the nation. What are the issues, then, of these women across the globe after losing their husbands? The answer is socially and politically related to personal frustrations. The pain and anguish of war continued to haunt these women as the situations in the past pushed them to cross boundaries to sustain their life such as, in the case of Xuan Ngoc Nguyen, who also became a prostitute to survive. Conclusion Whatever happened in the past cannot be undone and reversed but the ability not to let it happen again is one of the most admired ability of the people today. That is what the movie had shown to the public and thus, making us felt more sorry. It made the audiences feel more responsible in making decisions as a group for its extent is countless and immeasurable. The movie has a personal purpose of learning social ideas and tends to track social frameworks that are resulting to unwanted public situations. Women, for example, are not intended to participate to war but its doom were not just to punish the men who were there but will also bring tears to those who are left at home, minding the babies, minding the chores, and minding all the worries of uncertainty while holding on no assurance of having their loved one’s back. For this to be achieved, Sonneborn applied the right skill of film making guided by her intuition to know the truth behind the sorrows of all women victimized by war.