Female representation in computer games Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Female representation in computer games - Essay Example The essay "Female representation in computer games" discovers the Images of Women in Computer Based Gaming. The game World of Warcraft allows the player to create their own representation, but most of the females and males have sexualized representations that engage the user in very real objectification of the human form. In a discussion of the theories proposed by John Berger, the nature of the consumer to art can be seen through the examination of the art and imagery that has been developed in the gaming world. The nature of gaming is such that it creates an alternative space in which female and male objectification is engaged so that not only is the concept of the human shifted into a different space, the actions that are taken as representations of heroic are placed within the sexual fantasy space. Images that are used for gaming are representations of contemporary art, created through different mediums used for different purposes. Most of it is created through computer generatio n, but there is a great deal of art that is done through the traditional medium of canvas and brush with either oils or acrylics. These pieces are used for promotional value, although computer generation of images has advanced to the point where artistically rendered work is very similar to that which used to require canvas and paint. As an example, Fig.1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are a female and male characters from World of Warcraft, rendered artistically as an emotive piece which is intended. to engage the consumer by creating envy. Berger discusses the role of envy in glamour, the nature of plying the consumer with attributes of a representational figure that can never be achieved, thus maintaining an envious connection which is never transferred to the consumer. La Grange paraphrases Berger and states that â€Å"The imagine themselves transformed by buying the product and envy this transformed self. In effect, the publicity image has lowered the spectators’ self-esteem and of fers it back if they buy the product† (8). Gaming literally offers the experience of becoming the enviable figure, the consumer able to manipulate the actions of the character, achieving goals and setting a course through that image. Berger discusses the way in which the identity and the self are interlaced with the concept of ownership and envy. In owning a thing, the desired effect is to have become the representation of how that thing creates the identity of the self. In owning something, there is never a pay-off of real happiness, but a movement towards acquiring the next thing. La Grange states that Berger proposed that â€Å"The individual is trapped between what he is and what he would like to be† (9). In choosing what to buy, the individual seeks to find happiness, but because happiness cannot be achieved by the acquisition, the individual is essentially powerless. In some ways, gaming fills this gap as the manipulation of the image that has been chosen becomes an extension of the self, the individual placed within the space of the game as that image and acquiring through the choices that are made about the actions of the image. La Grange explains the relationships of the ownership of art as it is relevant to the identity. She states that through Berger, it can be seen that â€Å"oil painting celebrated private property; it expressed the idea that you are what you have†

Project assignment (Business Analysis and Process Consulting) Essay

Project assignment (Business Analysis and Process Consulting) - Essay Example Products and practices that can be incorporated for the expansion of service offerings as well as reduction of impact on the environment by Foresbys include that of introducing home cleaning services, waste management services, recycling services and security service for homes as well as offices (Checkland & Poulter, 2006). Waste management and recycling businesses share synergy with cleaning services because waste, that is produced and eliminated in a process of cleaning, needs to be disposed properly. Also, such waste management is required by each one of the client, who employ cleaning services invariably. Hence, there appears to be some definite synergy between the business and the proposed issue of change. Once the contract for cleaning was secured, the company sent their cleaning agents to the said location for performing their tasks within specified time frame. The cleaning agents were qualified officials who had the requisite training in safe and efficient cleaning of office premises and were also trained for specialized cleaning. To improve upon the existing distribution and operations structure, Foresbys can form specialized teams who were capable of handling specific jobs, rather than multiple cleaning activities at once. This would not only instil efficiency at specific work, but also increase the speed of cleaning tasks undertaken by the company (Checkland, 2000). The customers shall pay for proper disposal of their waste material and company can also charge them with a premium price for using environment friendly and safe products while performing cleaning activities. Customers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environment and shall be willing to pay additional prices for the environmental cause. Furthermore, it would provide the company with a sustainability edge over other cleaning businesses in the country. Socially responsible company behaviour

Trans-Cultural Counseling Essay Example for Free

Trans-Cultural Counseling Essay One of the greatest challenges in counseling today is being able to deliver services that respond to the social developments that translate to responsive and effective psychological care. Hand in hand with globalization, people are not only having to deal with the social changes but also have to deal with the accelerated pace of these developments. Growing cultural diversity, economic challenges and globalization are a few of the major factor shaping society today. D’Ardenne and Mahtani, (1989) were among the ones to raise awareness regarding the issues that highlight the needed competencies and review of previous standards and approaches for counseling services. According to the article published by the Clinical Psychology Forum, â€Å"Racially and Culturally Appropriate†, recognizing culture and ethnicity are essential to create programs that consider the overall perspective of the individual and the circumstances of conditions that reflect a realization the pressures that individuals and groups because of the developing social scenarios. This is to provide emotional and psychological support for those that are most challenged which are often also are cultural minorities, the economically challenged, the youth and the elderly. Trans-Cultural Challenges Continuing research in to the nature of human psychology and mental health is now providing mental health care professional more insights to develop treatment, therapy and rehabilitation that is more sensitive to the needs of patients but also considers more the reality of patients’ lives. Particularly since the 1970’s, mental and psychological health services have begun to realize the need to revolutionize the treatment of mental illness. Developments in technology and health care services are changing the field of mental health nursing. Concurrent researches in the fields of psychology and sociology have revealed the importance of mental health and the programs that promote and support the same objectives. These developments have considered more factors of the state of human condition and the realities that they contend with. And what is most critical in understanding the human condition is understanding the individual in terms of his history, culture and experience. Mahtani and Marks (1994) point out that the valuation trans-cultural issues must be rooted in the most basic approaches and perspectives of counselors and psychiatrists. Their opinion is that psychology services must not just equate it as a factor in dealing with their clients, but rather see it as a pervasive and everlasting component of the individual. It is then prescribed that services should be able to address not only known conditions but also those that are yet recognized or have yet to develop. The objective is not just to be able to recognize trans-cultural issues but also to develop proficiency in dealing with related issues in the future. The influence of trans-cultural issues is both direct and indirect. It develops form social conditioning, experience and perception. Though it is a very significant influence to individuals, they are not reliable in terms of establishing standards for approaches. Therefore, one should consider them as theoretical precepts that have to be proven true first before being considered a factor in the case or session (Davies Neal, 1996). In the edition of Gender and Power in Families edited by Perelberg and Miller, they site that in the case of genre roles in the family, there are unique dynamics that contribute to the roles assigned to each of the member that influence how the manner by which individuals’ roles in other groups or situations in work, their personal lives or generally in society. However they also mention that though individuals are molded by these roles, the new groups or scenarios that they encounter other than their families may encourage the development of similar roles or discourage them equally. Counseling and Culture   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   How does culture impact counseling? It affects by its very foundations: the definition of normality depends significantly on the perspective by which it is defined. The problem of defining normalcy and any subsequent counseling or treatment is because it is so closely associated with conformity that it becomes difficult to universalize considering differences in norms which is greatly defined by the cultural majority (Mahtani Marks, 1994). For example, the utilization of normality is critical in theorizing the cause of mental disorders. Aside from creating serving as standard to measure deviation, it can also be used to establish statistical characteristics and tendencies for the population. Davies and Neal consider the case of homosexuality. Though it has been taken off the list of psychological and even a general acceptance, there still a significant amount of negativity attached to it. And this is not just by religions or societies that still consider it an abnormality. Perceptions attached to homosexuality are a cause of identification even in societies that have accepted it. Either way, it is an important factor in evaluating patient problems, expected outcomes of mental illnesses and the needed rehabilitation and treatment according to Perelberg and Miller. Undeniably, a person is a product of his self and the manner by which his environment affects him. In all theoretical models regarding the development of a personality, the conscious person is supposed to be motivated by internal interactions within his person. These two levels of personality interact with his environment and affect him individualistically developing his unique personality and psychological identity (D’Ardenne Mahtani, 1989). In both levels, culture has a role: the definition of the internal person is influenced by his culture and at the same time, the society he moves in responds to culture as well. Professional Implications   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The sensitivity to cultural issues are critical in being able to asses and develop treatment for conditions. Thus, the recognition of cultural issues and their consideration in the development of programs should become a priority of every institution and professional. This, from the   work of Mahtani and Marks, includes the need to identify what the cultural perception and influences of patients and psychologist, counselors and other metal health professionals are. This must then be communicated to the educational and training of professional.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There should be a realization that the insensitivity to these issues can result to the alienation and disenfranchisement or members of the society. D’Ardenne and Mahtani believe that there can be debilitating effects: it deters those with culture related issues from being able to be productive members of the society because they feel that they are not part or valued by society. This stems from their inability to access social and economic opportunities regardless of their availability. Professionals’ continuing education is one of best strategies to keep at pace with these researches and developments. Authorities in the field judge that there is a need to appraise model for continuing professional development not just to ensure that patients get the best care but also to afford career enrichment for professionals. Studies have indicated that most professionals are given very little opportunity, motivation or alternatives for professional development regarding cultural issues which has limited the professional development and skills regarding the issue. Therefore, efforts to alleviate whatever conditions that contributes to negative effects or limiting effects of cultural should be a priority concern. This involves the resolution of the issues not only from the perspective of clients but also just as importantly on the part of the counselor. Counselors are aware that they should remain impartial but there should now greater realization if perceptions of clients are being influenced by the counselor’s own cultural perspectives. Conclusion Multiculturalism is not just about culture, its core objective is to be able to incorporate different heritages to create a society that celebrates all the richness of humanity. It is the mark of a society that embraces the world and lives unafraid of the unknown. It is the foundation of a just and broadminded society. The development of a multicultural society is a reflection of true social progress. Most of the conflicts in human history were initiated by forms of cultural intolerance. A comprehensive understanding of the significance and principles of how trans-cultural issues influence diagnoses, conditions and treatment is a knowledge base that all professionals should have. There are many issues that can effect trans-cultural issues among them are disabilities, gender, social class, educational attainment, cultural notions and age. These factors create a great range of treatments and patient needs. At the same time, it also creates a wide range of possible treatment outcomes and interventions. Regardless of the issues, it should be understood that if trans-cultural issues are not fully addressed or responded to, there can be no comprehensive progress in communicating with the subject. Sensitivity to theses issues afford better mental and psychological health and have the potential of increasing greater awareness and sensitivity in society as a whole.

The influence of modern technology on Society

The influence of modern technology on Society 1. Introduction While technology is often described as the most important influence upon society (ref), it remains a subject which deserves further study. This situation is generally accepted, with politicians, sociologists, industrialists and educationalists alike recognising that technology lies at the very heart of society (Chandler, 1996). The critical role that technology plays in the development of society, stimulating not only the economy but society’s socio-cultural values, rather than being merely a tool of society, however, is referred to as ‘technological determinism’ (Underwood, 2009). It is this aspect of how technology drives modern society that this essay addresses. Social progress has come to be equated with technical progress, particularly since the Industrial Revolution (Beniger, 1989). This progress has not always been acknowledged at the time it was occurring; indeed, as Beniger further notes, ‘human society seems rather to evolve largely through changes so gradual as to be all but imperceptible, at least compared to the generational cycles of the individuals through whose lives they unfold’ (1989, p. 2). Perhaps because of this ‘historical myopia’, the value of the change may not be evaluated until the changes has already passed (Beniger, 1989, p. 2). Critics such as Henry David Thoreau, for instance, suggested that improvements in society’s technical means are no guarantee of improved ends, and that they may instead lead to a mechanistic and fatalistic outlook, positing that we do not ride upon the railroad; it rides upon us (1845, p. 308). Thus, technology itself becomes an overriding preoccupation, for it never stops still. Technological advancement seems important at the time to different ages in different societies, psychologically if not practically; in a variety of modern societies, for example, young people presently feel a heightened empathy with the digital age (Bennett and Maton, 2010). However, not all sectors of the community will be directly involved with, share an understanding, or even see the relevance, of the latest technological inventions. Nevertheless, as de Tocqueville (1990, p. xxii) noted in 1840, ‘this social revolution, which I believe to be irresistible†¦ is already accomplished or about to be so’, and thus recognition of it is recognition of the past as much as the present. The current revolution in technology, known variously as the ‘Information Age’ or ‘Age of Technology’, similarly is unrelenting: the older person who is reluctant to use a computer has a life shaped by others’ use of computers and may even accept a basic mobile telephone, once considered a glamourous accessory (Coeckelbergh, 2012). As globalisation becomes an increasingly significant factor in countries’ economic success, technological competence is becoming an essential tool for surviving and thriving not only in society, but in its constituent parts, such as employment, education, agriculture, and industry. 2. Advantages and disadvantages of modern technological progress The younger generation today, like many previous generations, seeks to change the world and make it a better and more comfortable place in which to live (Griswold, 2012). They want to be contributors to peace, economic reforms, the improvement of public services and many other aspects of the society. For them, the best way to contribute to these changes is through modern technology. (Weiser and Brown, 1997). This does not necessarily mean that youth wants to make a huge change on the view of the world where they grew up, or that they just want to split away from the norms of society. Instead, they believe that the advances in communication, through technological means, will facilitate social change as no previous generation has had the opportunity to learn so much, so authentically, from one another (Griswold, 2012). The ability for real-time conversations, forums, information exchange, visualisation of other cultures, and greater social equality across the world has developed more in the last 20-25 years than at any other time in history. This has allowed commentary on situations as they develop, rather than purely through the perspective of written media. For example, the role of social media during the ‘Arab Spring’, not only through Twitter but Facebook and other social media platforms, provided contextualisation for the media reports at a time when media bias is increasingly critically examined (Khondker, 2011). Thus, this generation is able to confirm journalists’ interpretation of an event, even in film, with those who are participating on both sides of the event, as well as casual observers. This is unique in history. The degree to which unfettered access to opinion, counter-opinion, reportage, and propaganda will truly reshape the world is yet to be determined. The Habermasian interpretation of the development of the public sphere holds some analogies, as the democratisation of critical analysis unfolded in fin-de-sià ¨cle Viennese coffee houses (Habermas, 1989). According to di Maggio et al. (2001) extensive social effects, both optimistic and pessimistic, have been claimed for many communications technologies before our current computer-based age of information technology. The so-called I.T. revolution (which tends to be presented as the ‘final’ communications revolution) can be seen as having been preceded by the ‘writing revolution’ and ‘the print revolution’, and only the latest phase of an ‘electronics revolution’ which began with telegraphy and telephony. Winston (1998) criticises technological determinism and instead develops his theory of cultural determinism. In this theory, Winston considers not how technology shapes society, but rather that the evolution of technology, which is not static, is mediated and manipulated by society. Thus, as a result of these manoeuvres, the ‘radical potential’ of a specific technology is stifled; society therefore only accepts that which it believes itself to be in a position to accept (Winston, 1998). Systems and machines like computers, mobile phones and operating systems, which just involve one click on the computer, replace the things which used to takes hours or even days. Almost every home has a computer and telephone, and individuals within those homes often each have a mobile phone (Bennett and Maton, 2010). For some people, the application of technology is the only technique for them to develop patience, as even the tedious business of waiting can be ameliorated by keeping busy with a mobile phone, especially for youth. One of the most important advantages of modern technology is globalisation, which has allowed the world to feel ‘closer’, and permitted the worlds economy to become a single, interdependent system (Barrell and Fic, 2014). This means that people can not only share information quickly and efficiently, but can also bring down barriers of linguistic and geographic boundaries. Zhong (2007) observes that, in todays stock markets, financial infrastructure, global news organisations, powerful militaries, strong governments and big corporations, instantaneous communication is an asset society cannot afford to lose. The internet allows interconnection and promotes globalisation and information sharing. The reduction in the cost of instantaneous communication over the last 20 years have considerably expanded its potential, by making it accessible to developing as well as developed economies. However, modern technology does not bring advantages but some disadvantages as well. The similarity of lifestyles, whereby communication channels homogeneity, can have deleterious effects (Griswold, 2012). Before the rise of film, television, and the internet, people had different cultures and traditions that were reflected in the way they wear clothes or design buildings. Now, in a form of creeping conformity, people tend to build the same models of house and wear the same fashions. The new, modern technology is excellent in many ways, but its philosophical, physiological, and psychological effects remain unknown in a period when technological interaction and live communication through computer use, internet chat, mobile phones, and SMS texts are part of the everyday life of -teenagers and the youth of today. This not only includes issues such as the debate on whether mobile telephones increase the likelihood of brain tumours, but the behavioural responses of children to ‘instant’ gratification, or whether mobile phone addiction will become a significant disability (di Maggio et al., 2001). These are issues which remain unresolved; their resolution will not be immediate. 3. The vision of teenagers in this day and age With the growth of technologies as the internet and computers, teenagers and young people are becoming more dislocated from society (Griswold, 2012). Isolation is one form of this problem. The Japanese phenomenon of hikikomori, whereby young people (commonly, males, and more increasingly, adults) sequester themselves, using only technology to keep in touch with society, is believed to affect almost two million people worldwide (Longo, 2010). Social interaction results in levels of stress and distress to the degree that individuals cannot cope, and seek refuge instead in an environment which they feel is fully within their control. Additionally, education is being transformed by technology. Stimulating students is not a matter of making a great speech or a dominant lesson anymore; educators need to be brought down to a teenagers level of understanding (Weiser and Brown, 1997). The need and wishes of modern youth are very different from those of their parents, as can be seen in hikikomori (Longo, 2010). The most inspiring tool for teens and their lifestyle is the internet, mobile technologies, and computers (Griswold, 2012. Teenagers and young people also have changed in comparison with teens in the past, taking into account eating habits, an active way of life, spending free time, and the importance of music and fashion. The affordability of many of these factors has changed considerably since, for example, the post-war generation (Bennett and Maton, 2010). The most important change, however, is that they are a technology generation. For teens in todays world, mobile phones, internet, music, movies, television and video games are very important. Most teenagers prefer watching television and playing computer games to reading books. They dislike reading because watching television or playing online role-playing games is easier and they do not have to use their own imagination (Davies and Eynon, 2013). Computer games have the capacity to provide teaching opportunities but they are also harmful to health (Longo, 2010). Teenagers prefer to spend free time in front of a computer rather than to walk, play football, go to a swimming pool, or just simply meet a friend in the park and have a chat. The long term effects of these changes are not likely to be evident for at least three more generations. According to di Maggio et al. (2001), the internet expands daily and reaches more and more people globally. As a society, improvements in literacy may rise due to the growth of the internet. The young generation cannot imagine their day’s homework without the support of the one of most important modern technological developments, the internet. The internet is very useful and an important tool for studies, as there they are able to see the latest reports and articles, find and practise exercises which are relevant to their studies, as well as submit assignments and other work. Further, a teenagers social life becomes inextricably linked to social networking, especially through live chat and Facebook. They would rather say that this is the easiest way to communicate with each other, as well as learning new things and having fun (Davies and Eynon, 2013). Many things can be done through the internet. Young people can download music and other files and play online games with their real or virtual friends. In this way, therefore, the internet influences the teen view to the world and its future. It also gives them an opportunity to interact with other teens and discuss relevant issues. One important aspect of teens using internet is their freedom to post criticism of government leaders. Youths have limited abilities to communicate meaningfully with government as they cannot vote; the internet permits them to give their beliefs about what is wrong and what is right from their point of view, (Davies and Eynon, 2013). On social websites youths can have relations and communication with their friends or just someone who is far away from their homes and around the world, chatting on the worldwide web, emailing or just playing games. This has been extended considerably with the advent of smart phones (Bennett and Maton, 2010). Using the internet teenagers can go shopping with their friends using the same website, use microphones or cameras to film themselves, nearly in the same way as they would go out together for real shopping. Thus, the public sphere – through recreational chat as well as more complex interactions – is extended in the manner akin to that described by Habermas (1989). Nevertheless, this change to ‘life online’ means that, inevitably, many real world problems manifest themselves in the internet, and then have a further real world consequence. This can be seen in the phenomenon of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying targets the sexuality, physical attractiveness and friendships of children and teenagers (Davies and Eynon, 2013). Victims do not know what to do or where to turn. Cyber bullies harass victims anonymously. The psychological damage is horrific because the victims own peers have turned on them and there is nowhere for them to go, with teenage suicides and attempted suicides reported in the past (Griswold, 2013). A ‘dis-connect’ from human reactions could contribute to cyber bullying. People learn to communicate mostly through text messages or online, and do not learn important aspects of human interaction, such as noticing and accepting non-verbal signals (Griswold, 2013). Without these signals and characteristics it is easy to be misunderstood and for the victim to be dehumanised (di Maggio et al., 2001). This is also true of online dating (Winston, 1998). People are normally aware of what someone is saying or not saying, through gesticulations and voice tones. Without these cues, it is difficult to appreciate how the other person is feeling and whether there is truly a connection. Youth can start to feel as if who they are is not recognised, that they are reviled or that nobody wants them, when for example the text message or email was simply not received. Young people have created and developed a communication culture that incorporates many special features, such as a rise in the use of text-based communication channels (Davies and Eynon, 2013). Teenagers intersecting and selective use of communication channels has been shaped by multimedia communication (Weiser and Brown, 1997). Thus, their public sphere utilises a wider range of platforms than previously; nevertheless, it is still merely an extension of the public sphere, just as television and newspapers were (Habermas, 1989). Regardless of their form, the media landscapes created by teenagers serve to articulate their personal space, as well as enabling their presentation of self and defining their relationships to others). This can be seen in young peoples relationship to the mobile phone and other forms of interactive technology, which is consistent with their general consumption styles. An addictive use of the phone has been related to trendy and impulsive consumption styles prevalent among females (Davies and Eynon, 2013). Technology enthusiasm and trend-consciousness was linked to impulsive consumption and hard values more prevalent among males (di Maggio et al., 2001). In contrast, a frugal mobile phone use was not related to gender but to environmentalism and thrifty consumption in general. The traditional gender division in mobile phone use styles that could be observed is interesting in the light of conjectures that genders are becoming more alike in their use of new technology. The increasing trend towards ‘instant gratification’ that has been fed by high rates of credit over the last 30 years is exacerbated by an impatience facilitated by devices such as smart phones (Griswold, 2012). The net result of several of several generations for whom this is true has not yet been realised. 4. Conclusion Technology is one of a number of mediating factors in human behaviour and social change, which both acts on and is acted upon by other phenomena. Being critical of technological determinism is not to discount the importance of the fact that the technical features of different communication technologies facilitate different kinds of use, though the potential applications of technologies are not necessarily realised. Enthusiasm for technological progress typically involves technological determinism. As Potter and Sarre (1974, p. 485), caution that, in reaction to the changes taking places amongst today’s youth, there is evidently an unmistakable tone of moral disapproval directed against cultural interval – that is, resistances to structural and normative adaptations occasioned by innovation. This is not new. Every generation expresses concern for the pace and nature of change, and questions whether change is driving society or society desires the changes wrought. In the meantime, the technological revolution will enable people’s lives to be easier, in ways such as social interaction, education, manufacturing, and so on. Withdrawing from the degree to which technology has shaped society will be very difficult, and likely to lead to large-scale economic chaos (Barrell and Fic, 2013). The rise in costs, for example, through slower communications or manual manufacturing methods, would result in an overwhelming, if temporary drain on the economy; nevertheless, given the decrease in fossil fuel availability, this may be a future that society needs to consider. Humans are highly adaptable, as the integration of change previously has demonstrated. There may be a social cost in this, as Thoreau (1854) speculated, but this flexibility has permitted societies of many different forms to flourish for millennia. The liberty for people discuss change, as Habermas (1989) has described, has expanded in the last three hundred years. Nevertheless, thinkers such as Thoreau and Habermas are prepared to question not only technological progress but change in its most elementary form. This is what will preserve humanity from self-destructive change. Many people may feel that teenagers are unwittingly ‘walking into’ self-destructive change through their eager acceptance of technology in every aspect of their lives (di Maggio et al., 2001). Whilst this may be a legitimate concern, it should also be borne in mind that teenagers are not merely being controlled by devices but are using devices to facilitate change – through social media. This was apparent during the ‘Arab Spring’ (Khondker, 2011), and was widely welcomed. Enthusiasm for technological progress typically involves technological determinism. As Potter and Sarre (1974, p. 485), caution that, in reaction to the changes taking places amongst today’s youth, ‘there is evidently an unmistakable tone of moral disapproval directed against cultural interval – that is, resistances to structural and normative adaptations occasioned by innovation. This is not new. Every generation expresses concern for the pace and nature of change, and questions whether change is driving society or society desires the changes wrought. The human willingness to use change meaningfully and self-reflect, it is hoped, will protect society from itself. 5. References Barrell, R. and Fic, T. (2013). Integration, globalisation, technology and trade patterns in the EU8. Research in Economics and Business: Central and Eastern Europe, 2(1), pp. 1-13. Beniger, J. (1989). The control revolution: Technological and economic origins of the information society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Bennett, S. and Maton, K. (2010), Beyond the ‘digital natives’ debate: Towards a more nuanced understanding of students technology experiences. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(5), pp. 321-331. Coeckelbergh, M. (2012). â€Å"How I learned to love the robot†: Capabilities, information technologies, and elderly care. In Oosterlaken, I. and van der Hoven, J. (eds), The capability approach, technology and design. Dordrecht: Springer, pp. 77-86. Davies, C. and Eynon, R. (2013). Teenagers and technology. Hove: Routledge. De Tocqueville, A. (1835). Democracy in America: Volume I. [1990] New York: Vintage Books. Denning, P.J. and Metcalfe, RM. (eds) (1997). Beyond calculation: The next fifty years of computing. New York: Springer. DiMaggio, P., Hargittai, E., Neuman, W.R. and Robinson, J.P. (2001). Social implications of the internet. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, pp. 307-336. Griswold, W. (2012). Cultures and societies in a changing world (4th edn). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. Habermas, J. (1989). The structural transformation of the public sphere. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Khondker, H.H. (2011). Role of the new media in the Arab Spring. Globalizations, 8(5), pp. 675-679. Longo, G.O. (2010). Communication, technology, and the planetary creature. Communication, Capitalism Critique, 8(1), pp. 18-27. Oosterlaken, I. and van der Hoven, J. (eds) (2012). The capability approach, technology and design. Dordrecht: Springer. Potter, D. and Sarre, P. (eds) (1974). Dimensions of society: A reader. London: University of London Press/Open University Press. Thoreau, H.D. (1854). Walden; Or life in the woods. Boston: Ticknor and Fields. Weiser, M. and Brown, J.S. (1997). The coming age of calm technology. In Denning, P.J. and Metcalfe, R.M. (eds), Beyond calculation: The next fifty years of computing. New York: Springer, pp. 75-85. Winston, B. (1998). Media technology and society: a history: From the telegraph to the Internet. Abingdon: Psychology Press.

Othello was Insane :: Othello essays

Othello was Insane Shakespeare's "Othello" is a prime example of a cleverly crafted tragedy. Othello himself has all the elements of a tragic hero: the personal grievance involving a friend and loved one, the tragic flaw (gullibility), the sacrifice of suicide. Othello's strong love for his wife and the love that Desdemona shows him by betraying her father shows the bond between the two of them. As a man Othello was honorable and noted with high regard around Venice, also a strong and great leader. Every great leader has much stress on him no matter how great the leader. The stress of battle, the jealousy, and the loss of honor are what drove Othello insane and this is why he hath killed his wife. Although the stress of battle was not mentioned in the play one could imagine the stresses put on a man with such stories of battle that Othello himself told Brabantio. "Her father loved me, oft invited me; /Still questioned me the story of my life/From year to year- the battles sieges, fortunes/That I have passed."(I, iii, 128-131) The numerous battles and the hardships of war wear a man down. The stresses of everyday things at work get to us but the stresses of battle must be and uncountable times worse. Othello seemed to be and was mentioned as a good leader with the respect of the Duke. The stresses of being a black man leading an army of white soldiers that might respect you as a leader but might not respect you as a human would affect you also. Othello seemed to handle the stresses of war just fine but with the jealousy added into his life by the most evil Iago's plot against him and Cassio was something that Othello had trouble managing. Othello was new to the married life and did not want to leave his wife behind so he left her in the hands of the "honest" Iago. "My life upon her faith! - Honest Iago, /My Desdemona must I leave to thee"(I, iii, 294-295). Iago caused the jealousy in Othello's heart and made it burn with such passion and with some false proof caused Othello to begin his break from reality. The honor lost by the rumor of a cheating wife was the straw that

Place Matters :: essays research papers

Place Matters: Metropolitics for the Twenty-first Century â€Å"Could suburbs prosper independently of central cities? Probably. But would they prosper even more if they were a part of a better-integrated metropolis? The answer is almost certainly yes.† (p. 66) Deepening economic inequality is fundamentally associated with the spatial polarization between central cities and sprawling suburbs, and between wealthy regions and poorer ones. Government policies have promoted economic and racial segregation, encouraged businesses and the wealthy to move to outer suburbs, and effectively limited the poor and minorities to central cities or troubled inner-ring suburbs. It was interesting to find that 39 percent of all earnings in New Orleans come from residents who worked in the central city. I did not think that the central city of New Orleans had such a dense market for higher paying jobs! This fact is very positive for the city, and hopefully the corporate services industry continues to grow here in New Orleans because the density allows for overall productivity. And the suburban property values outside New Orleans depend on the availability of jobs and an active economy in the Central Business District. So places like Metairie and River Ridge or â€Å"edge cities† really rely on the strength of the central city of New Orleans. Therefore it should be the vested interest of both city and suburban residents to scrutinize federal policy that affects the economic health of all cities. After reading Place Matters, I realized that all city mayors have struggled and will continue to struggle with addressing and implementing a plan for the concentration of poverty in their cities. They all take different approaches- some believe that instead of concentrating on anti-poverty programs, they want attract new investments, such as international companies to promote smart growth. This is to trickle down the services from taxes and create jobs for the motivated poor. In order to attract these international companies, the city infrastructure must also be attractive. Policies that do not take care of city infrastructure and development get little interest from outside corporate capital for investment. Secondly, they also promise things like better jobs, better low-income housing, and better schools but all to often this is a ploy to rally support for votes. Inner city poverty ends up being far too great of an overwhelming problem; so voting is usually swayed to more programs t hat aid the poor rather than fix the problems. The wealthy want and need different things than the poor and much less involved than their counterparts.

Alice Walker s everyday use

Johnny's point of view to make it easier for us, the readers, to understand the plot or purpose of the story. Alice Walker wants us to know more about Mrs.. Johnny's background, a hard working black single mother of two from back then (asses). She struggled all her life for her two daughters, Dee and Maggie; both very different from each other. Mrs..Johnson is brutally honest when describing her two daughters and even herself. She calls herself a â€Å"large, big-boned woman with rough man-working hands†. Often comparing herself to a man doing masculine things because of how hard she works on her property, she kills and cleans hogs, wearing flannel pajamas and overalls †¦ All these reflect a strong, capable and independent mother, even though she lacks of certain education. If the story was to be told from a neutral third person point of view there wouldn't be much of an impact to the theme of the story, heritage.You have Mrs.. Johnson who feels strong about her heritage and Dee who tries to disguise It with the new persona she's created. Coming from a neutral point of view you wouldn't get a feel on how strongly Mrs.. Johnson feels about her heritage since It's not coming from her directly. Details would also be left out, like how Mrs.. Johnson describes herself and a true explanation on the connection she has with her daughters. If the story would have been told from Deed's point of view, we had missed all this Information from Mrs..Johnny's heritage (black woman heritage). Dee Is a very educated, arrogant, selfish, and a determined person. Her knowledge and education has only been used to put other people down, Like she did with her mom, sister and friends. Dee changed her own name to Wanders; she said that she felt oppressed by the people who first name her. Dee didn't even remember where her name came from, or her uncle's names who she still showed some kind of respect for when she remembered him carve the butter chum from a tree they used to h ave.Dee reflects those people who reject their own roots. When Wanders and Yakima-a- barber got to Mrs.. Johnny's home, they seemed Like strangers that didn't belong there. They behaved worse than Ignorant tourists, snapping pictures and getting Intrigued by Mrs.. Johnson and Magpie's rustic realism Like In a documentary, Instead of honoring and embracing the hard work of their own people, their own family. Everyday Use by Alice Walker Mrs.. Johnson who feels strong about her heritage and Dee who tries to disguise it oldest get a feel on how strongly Mrs..Johnson feels about her heritage since it's all this information from Mrs.. Johnny's heritage (black woman heritage). Dee is a education has only been used to put other people down, like she did with her mom, barber got to Mrs.. Johnny's home, they seemed like strangers that didn't belong there. They behaved worse than ignorant tourists, snapping pictures and getting intrigued by Mrs.. Johnson and Magpie's rustic realism like in a documentary, instead