Gross Domestic Product Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gross Domestic Product - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that a comparison of $40,000 earned in 1980 and 2010 can be made by first finding the number of times the consumer price index has decreased or increased from 1980 to 2010. In 1980 and 2010 the consumer price indexes were 82.4 and 236.74 respectively. The percent increase in the inflation rate from 1980 to 2010 was 187%. The average consumer price index went up 1.87 times between 1980 and 2010. The increases in CPIs show that the available products in 2010 were more expensive that they were in 1980. Concerning quality, some of the products have increased quality from 1980 to 2010 because of technological advancement. Good examples are electronics and cars that were more energy efficient in 2010 than they were in 1980.  As the study highlights  a person would be wealthier if he/she earned $ 40,000 in 1980 than making the same amount in 2010. The purchasing power in 1980 was greater than purchasing power in 2010. So, the person would buy more products or assets in 1980 than in 2010. One would choose to live 1980 because prices of products were less expensive than in 2010. If an individual were to determine which year he would have liked to live, the most appropriate and practical answer would be 1980. A person earning $40,000 in 1980 would live more comfortably that another individual who is receiving the same amount in 2010 because products were cheaper in 1980 than in 2010.

Lizard People Essay Example for Free

Lizard People Essay Independence Day in Los Angeles. Its approximate location was at what is now the Hollywood Freeway near the intersection of North Hill Street and West Cesar Chavez Avenue, downtown. The hill was located one block north of Temple Street and a short distance south of present day Cesar Chavez Avenue, between the Los Angeles Civic Center and Chinatown. A small portion of the hill was not bulldozed and remains on the west side of Hill Street on the north side of the freeway. Part of Fort Moore Hill became home to a cemetery, with the first documented burial tracing back to December 19, 1853. Alternately known as Los Angeles City Cemetery, Protestant Cemetery, Fort Moore Hill Cemetery, Fort Hill Cemetery, or simply the cemetery on the hill, it was the citys first non-Catholic cemetery. In 1891, the site became home to the second location of Los Angeles High School (LAHS), located on North Hill Street between Sand Street (later California Street, now part of 101 Freeway) and Bellevue Avenue (later Sunset Boulevard, now Cesar Chavez Avenue). LAHS was at this location on Fort Moore Hill until 1917, when the high school was moved again. Most of Fort Moore Hill was removed in 1949 for the construction of the Hollywood Freeway, which was opened in December 1950, and in 1957 a memorial for the old fort and its American pioneers was placed on a site north of the freeway. The fort is now memorialized by the Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial. According to a G. Warren Shufelt, a geophysicist mining engineer deep beneath the heart of Los Angeles financial district (Fort Moore Hill) hundreds of feet below corporate offices, and government offices lies another city. Beneath Los Angeles Downtown area stands a lost city of catacombs filled with treasure and records. A Hopi chief named Little Green told Warren Shufult that the vanished races capital was located in modern day Downtown Los Angeles. This city derived from an Indian legend that an underground world was built by a strange race that vanished 5000 years ago. This race is commonly referred to as the Lizard People or Lizard men. Warren Shufult first heard of the Lizard people in the city of a Hopi Indian legend. Legend is that they were a race who had been nearly wiped out by a meteor shower around 3000 BC. The lizard people then constructed 13 subterranean settlements along the Pacific Coast. This was done to shelter themselves against future detriments. Each subterranean settlement is what we call in modern times a city, in which was divided to house a thousand families each. They also stockpiled essentials of life to maintain. So greatly advanced scientifically the Lizard people developed a chemical solution that melted solid bedrock to bore out the tunnels and rooms of their subsurface shelters. This was done without removing any earth and rock. They also developed a cement tar stronger than any in use in modern times which they lined their tunnels and rooms. These tunnels were also constructed to hold a profusion of gold tablets that chronicled the history of their existence, the origin of mankind, and the story of the world back to creation. The Lizard people according to Little Chief Greenleaf of the medicine lodge of the Hopi Indians in Arizona, were of a much higher type of intellectually than modern human beings. The intellectual accomplishments of their 9 year old children were equal of those of present day college graduates. According to the reporter Jean Bosquet of the Los Angeles Times in 1934, Warren Shufelt began o drive a shaft 250 feet into the ground on North Hill Street, overlooking Sunset Boulevard, Spring Street and North Broadway. Warren Shufelt engineered a radio x- ray for detecting the presence of minerals and tunnels below the surface of the ground. This was an apparatus with which he says that he has traced a pattern of catacombs and vaults forming a lost city. The radio device consisted of a cylindrical glass case with a plummet attached to a copper wire.

Impact of Globalisation on Social Identity and Conflict

Impact of Globalisation on Social Identity and Conflict Explore the local consequences of  globalization in relation to social identity,  social conflict and social policy. Globalization is more than a term or a word describing a certain condition with regard to the international community of countries, it is an active living thing that is consistently changing, mostly for the better, each day. It is the expansive interaction between a widening sphere of countries not only regarding the conduct of business, but the day-to-day business of living as well. Globalization is a conglomeration of commerce, different clothes, vehicles, pharmaceutical products, foods, travel, the Internet, movies, television, music, languages, customs, laws, and McDonald’s. It represents how differing countries are increasing affecting and being affected by other countries as a result of technology and commerce. Least we forget technology is not just business related, it represents the developments such as the giant sized Airbus A380[1] which can carry a record 840 passengers[2] to its destination, and McDonald’s whose golden arches can been seen in 122 countries[3 ]. These are prime examples of how globalization is in direct touch with individuals, therefore it (globalization) cannot be defined in strictly business or people terms, it is synonymous with both. The preceding then defines globalization as a blend of commerce and the public interacting as needs and circumstances arise to conduct their affairs. This can range from the need to arrive in Paris for business, or obtain service on one’s Mercedes in Los Angeles. The preceding calls for items and/or people to cross borders and thus the differing customs, cultures, politics and identities of these interacting countries comes into play. From this perspective it can logically be said that forms of globalization have been a part of the human race for basically as long as our tenure here. Alexander the Great’s invasion of Persia with just 40,000 men[4], and Marco Polo’s contact with China are limited scale examples globalization in its infancy. As man’s ability to negotiate the seas then air, as well as communicate via telegraph wire, telephone and the Internet all decreased the time it took for people and goods to reach their destination, the intensity of globalization increased. The cultural, social, legal and other nuances that accompany contact between differing countries on whatever scale it takes, be it an invasion, a bank transfer, or a new automotive plant the parties on both sides must make adjustments. And it is these adjustments that mark ‘globalization’, as cultures that developed separately are now engaged in some form of interaction. It is from this context that the subject matter â€Å"†¦the local consequences of globalization in relation to social identity, social conflict and social policy shall be explored. The meeting of differing cultures, regardless of the plane of contact (commerce, war, language, the Internet), specially in today’s terms, is the actualization of globalization. From this perspective one can see the linage of this reality to the dawn of human time. The context of separately developing cultures coming into contact represents a change, no matter how great the initial impact (war), or benign (a letter) and it causes an accommodation by both sides. Thus, depending upon the degree of influence with respect to said action(s), areas such as social identity, conflict and policy are impacted. It must be remembered that not necessarily all three aspects are present in each instance(s). As the scale, meaning number of people, increases this affects the manner in which said impact acts upon the three main categories, ‘social identity – conflict – policy’. These areas are not obscure concepts, they are integral parts of a country’s culture, language, customs, and traditions as well as laws and sociological composition. And there are times, based either on circumstances, such as war, or the natural progression of activity in a particular sphere, such as the acceptance of a product, goods or services, where the growth of such activity begins to change a country’s innate characteristics. The preceding refers to the context of ‘social’ identity, conflict and policy, whereby the impact of said outside influence tends to exert changes in how the present and future generations will see things in terms of a change in perspective from preceding generations. The impact of the first Model T in America is such an example. It allowed an ever increasing segment of the population to travel further from their original locale that ever before. Today the interstate highway system as well as those roads that traverse bordering countries permits people to make these journeys without so much as a thought with regards to globalization. While the foregoing does represent a sweeping statement, it does convey the idea which can thus be applied to other instances (hamburgers, television shows dubbed in languages, oil tankers, etc.). The preceding view is postulated by Agdal (2004)[5] in his discussion of pre and post colonialism where he stated that the European city model from its earliest days has been transmitted throughout the world as a result of exploration and conquest. He continues that the historical, social and cultural circumstances vary, but the foundations of the political and socio-economic constructs basically is the same through the world. Escobar (2000)[6] draws a correlation between the rise of globalization and the demise of â€Å"†¦real socialism†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [7] citing that the equation arises from the state control of socialism, versus the fluidity of the free market system. As the majority of the world’s nations are engaged in a free market economy they are able to expand their markets and thus derive increased revenues which spur growth. The foundation of a free market system is communication and negotiation, thus the socialist model which constrained these essentials was doomed to a self imposed isolationism in a static sized market (meaning number of countries under control). In contrast, the free market countries could constantly enter new areas, thereby increasing commerce. This occurrence is a direct illustration of how interaction with other countries, cultures, traditions, social systems and legal systems forces consistently ongoing accommodations. In a socialist system the view is that prov ided by the state. However this view can not be imposed in trade, tariff and other international commerce regulations where the interactions with people and their cultural, traditional and other views come into play, no matter how slightly. These outside influences slowly eat away at the established socialist fabric causing change. The introduction of McDonald’s in Russia provides such an example. Citizens at the local level experienced the menu and as the familiarity as well as number of outlets increased, so did the impact of this outside influence. The following will explore this phenomenon concerning globalization’s impact on social identity – conflict and policy. The Big and Small Picture Given the extensive nature of the scope of globalization’s reach as well as the multitude of influencing forces as work, understanding its consequences at a local level concerning social identity, conflict and policy requires understanding that the local aspect was /is initiated within the broader context. Without utilizing any specific examples in exploring the foregoing it should suffice to say while certain analogies might not be germane to certain conditions (meaning countries) the broader idea of the commonality of human interests, needs, wants and desires is relevant across all borders, abet in differing degrees of development based upon same. This refers to examples such as France and Myanmar. Formerly known as Burma the demographic profile of the populace proves a classical example of how at one level a country’s society can be used to and enjoy a vehicle, internet access, travel and other items as their daily necessities, while another segment might have to dev ote almost all of their daily attention on ensuring that they will have enough to eat. The difference in interests, needs, wants and desires would be extremely similar if the entire country lived at the same standard. One group might see themselves in terms of social identity, as comfortable with the way things are progressing which would bear a similarity to their demographic counterparts in France. This could entail the industrialization of a region or zone as part of a national plan to generate more hydro electric power or industrial capacity, as well as what, how and why they feel the way they do about varied social issues (conflict and policy). Whereas another social group might see the construction of said power station or plants as intrusions on their way of life as a result of the removal of either forest, farming, grazing or land they have come to accept as their way of live, such as the Amazon Indians. This example has no peer group in France, however the lack of same does not mean that their views would not similar if such a group did exist. The tendency to compartmentalize countries, and thus their inhabitants ignores the fact that depending upon the demographic, educational and other factors involved, peoples needs, wants, desires and interests remain relatively constant when things are basically the same. Social Identity In examining the levels of impact that globalization has on various aspects of society, which includes commerce, it must be remembered that as it is with all things, the core revolves around individuals. Therefore the following examinations of ‘identity, conflict and policy’ will be rooted in this understanding. The theory of ‘social identity’ was understood by Henri Tajfel and John Turner (1979)[8] who conceptualized that it consists of three ideas. Referred to as the â€Å"CIC Theory† it consists of: Categorization The almost overwhelming complexity of today’s world basically forces us as individuals to cluster things, ideas and other areas into manageable groups (categories) in order to understand them.[9] And this also applies to the fact that we tend to and do categorize people with such words such as policeman, Spaniard, race driver, Protestant, and teacher as it helps us as well as others when communicating to understand. And this of course applies to areas outside of one’s profession, religion, nationality and avocation. And whilst we are categorizing others we, by our preferences, ideas, beliefs and other facets are categorizing ourselves as well. In some quarters individuals define what they consider to be the norms of behavior they prefer in terms of associates, friends, acquaintances and thus the group(s) we ourselves belong to. The intense movement of ideas, products as well as people across national borders that is globalization brings into peoples lives various degrees of external impact that subtly changes the way they perceive things as well as ourselves. The era of globalization is quickly stripping certain levels of society of their historical identity in favor of a much broader context. Demographic groups staring at the upper middle class of almost all societies represent groups that are exposed on a consistent basis with the blending effects of this phenomenon. Blending, in the sense that the customs, traditions and cultural nuances that define differing countries, has become blurred within this group[10]. The degree of impact (in this instance blurring) many vary within these groups say between the United Kingdom and Russia, but it does occur. Thinking in terms of a foreign vehicle as being more preferable than one made domestically, or the selection of attire, appliances and other purchases, selections or preferences demonstrates this. The tremendous success of Coca Cola, McDonald’s and Disney in Russia are examples of how globalization impacts upon social identity at the local level. The consequences of such success by foreign companies, as well as ideas, is that they slowly erode traditional forms of drink, eating habits and customs as a result of the exposure. This distances segments of the population from certain aspects of their tradition, culture, customs and other unique aspects that define their heritage. Identification It is this preceding self-awareness of whom and what we believe we are that leads to our identification of the groups that we ourselves believe we belong to. Within this concept reside two important components, ‘social identity’ and ‘personal identity’. Our historical perceptions as well as our acquired preferences, social circle, peers, family and friends help to define the â€Å"†¦ in-groups†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [11] we identify with and helps to clarify the â€Å"†¦out groups†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [12] which we do not identify with. These differences are present in every society and have been so since the dawn of civilization. Outbreaks between tribes are the first examples of identification and the we versus them, I versus he (or them). Globalization has and does intrude upon as well as influence and shape social identity by virtue of the fact that the commerce, communications and movement of people brings cultures into increasing contact with each other. The degree or intensity of these instances is not really important as the fact is whatever the degree and or intensity is, it is sure to increase with the passage of time. The influence and impact of globalization on social identity increases as the age of the subject group decreases. This is primarily due to older adults having established and set views, principles, beliefs and value system that were honed over the years. And while elements of globalization are present within these areas, its influence is based upon the degrees of exposure that were considerably reduced in comparison to present levels of activity. The outside influence exerted upon successive younger generations is multiplied by the globalization influences on prior generations. This compound effect serves to erode established customs, traditions, and modify legal, as well as social systems. Comparison Our views, opinions and interactions with other individuals begin from the amalgam of our traditions, culture, upbringing and personal experiences. These aid in the formation of values and belief systems as well as other important physiological aspects.[13] In a healthy connotation the preceding enables us to feel good about ourselves and thus be able to â€Å"†¦deal effectively with the world†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [14] This â€Å"†¦self esteem†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [15] helps to underpin: Positive and Negative Distinctiveness In the positive context people view their own group as better than similar groups that they see as slightly, or more inferior. The other side of the coin is when we minimize differences of other groups so that the group we identify with is perceived favorably. Social Creativity This concept within ‘comparison’ is where those groups that see themselves as having high status based upon â€Å"†¦particular dimensions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [16] utilize these aspects as their comparative base. Individuals from a lower status rationalize their group by placing emphasis on those values they see or believe are superior as justification for their way(s) of seeing and believing in what they think.[17] The aforementioned examination of ‘Social Identity’ serves to provide an understanding of individual perceptions as well as interpretations which globalization influences and impacts upon. The preceding is extremely important in that it impacts individuals on many personal belief levels both subtly as well as dramatically, influencing and impacting upon them personally (at a local level). Social Conflict This basic human condition has its roots in the first individuals living in caves. They banded together as a result of family and social bonds forming a protective group for survival and physiological comfort. As these groups grew in numbers, they tested their ways of living and thinking (identification), with other groups and where the differences (in language communication, territory, hunting, etc.) were sufficient, conflict erupted. This forms the basis for this concept in that those groups as well as individuals with control and power over various â€Å"†¦materials as well as non-material resources†¦[18]† tend to exploit those with the lesser of these components. The preceding is actualized either through the utilization of â€Å"†¦brute force†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [19] and/or economics. Karl Marx (1848)[20] stated that the process of social revolution is a result of class conflict with the powerful and rich exploiting the weak and poor. And this, when applied to gl obalization, explains how the influence and impact of more successful societies (in terms of commerce, social systems, philosophies, etc.) is stronger and thus changes those societies. The reverse of this process, meaning the weak and poor influence and impact upon the powerful and rich has less impact, therefore change at the lower level is in their favor. Social Policy A society needs order in which to operate and this is manifested by rules of acceptable behavior enacted into laws. These laws are control agents that can be either â€Å"†¦fair or unfair†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [21] as well as â€Å"†¦good or bad†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and are consistently under scrutiny by members of society to have them changed or amended to fit the interest of their group identification thereby providing them with more power. And globalization adds to this as the net effects of commerce serve to enrich those in power who influence and enact the laws through their views to the public. The more progressive the society, the more the public helps to mold and shape the rules (laws) as the system under which the government operates has been molded to respond to public influences. This principle underscores advanced democratic societies. The clamor for public recognition has been provided by scores of internal revolutions. Fidel Castro’s accent to power was a result of p ublic dissatisfaction with the old regime. And history has shown that in this instance that the lack of sufficient outside contact (globalization), has caused the populace economic repercussions. And the effects of globalization upon those who have left the borders of Cuba has been and is providing impetus to the population still there as these former citizens have seen and experienced a broader concept of life. And while this example does not provide much in terms of their ability to change or modify existing rules, Fidel Castro does make mild concessions in the understanding that holding onto power does require giving some (in this case small amounts and grudgingly) back. Globalization influences social policy in both directions as the powerful and rich, with their advantages of information access as well as involvement in commerce and the upper echelons of society are able to have their views and ideas reviewed as possible amendments to the law. And those at the lower rungs also seek the enactment of laws that benefit them. The effects of globalization influence both instances in that it impacts upon the way individuals see things as a result of new ideas, products, information and communication. As occupants on a sphere hurdling around a sun at 1,000 miles per hour the perception of countries, in terms of the human species, is an arcane concept. And globalization is proving this to be true. It is responsible for the demise of the former Soviet Union as that closed society had limited commerce options and this hampered their ability to complete with the financial resources of the free market system in financing its military debt. The slow build up of this debt financing pressure caused food lines and product shortages which the system (Soviet), in and of itself could not supply to its populace in sufficient quantities. And, it was the affects of globalization which contributed to the preceding. The education and exposure of the populace of a country means that the systems which govern that populace must also progress, change and modify itself in order to be representative of the human beings under its auspices. Failure to adhere to this basic tenet was the cause of the failure of Alexander’s conquests, as his succeeding generals where not able to effectively control what had been won. And this also spelled the end of the Roman Empire, Genghis Chan, as well as colonialism. The factor in all these equations is people and if their needs, wants and desires are not being met, they will eventually seek ways in which to acquire them, be it through a democratic process, or conflict. As governments have found that the unrest created by internal as well as external conflict usually weakens their hold on power, they have, or are coming to understand that they must accept change as an inevitable part of the process and either be responsive to it, or precede it. The broad scale of the preceding analysis does in fact apply to the localization of the consequences of globalization upon social identity, conflict and policy as governments preside over people and as history has shown, when the citizenry changes, so must the system which is supposed to be there to reflect their needs, wants and desires. Bibliography Agdal, Mohammed. 2004. Globalization, Identity Politics, and Social Conflict: Contemporary Texts and Discourses. Mohammed V University, Rabat. Escobar, Arturo. 2005. Notes on Networks and Anti-Globalization Social Movements. Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina. howstuffworks.com.2005. How the Airbus A380 Works. http://travel.howstuffworks.com/a380.htm/printable Khaleej Times Online.2005. Giant Airbus among planes on display at Paris Air Show. http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2005/June/theworld_June254.xmlsection=theworld The Australian National University.2005. Social Identity. http://www.anu.edu.au/psychology/groups/categorisation/socialidentity.php Wikipedia.com. 2005. Alexander the Great. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great Wikipedia.com. 2005. McDonald’s Corporation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds Wikipedia.com. 2005. Social Identity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_identity 1 [1] Khaleej Times Online.2005. Giant Airbus among planes on display at Paris Air Show. http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2005/June/theworld_June254.xmlsection=theworld [2] howstuffworks.com.2005. How the Airbus A380 Works. http://travel.howstuffworks.com/a380.htm/printable [3] Wikipedia.com. 2005. McDonald’s Corporation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds [4] Wikipedia.com. 2005. Alexander the Great. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great [5] Agdal, Mohammed. 2004. Globalization, Identity Politics, and Social Conflict: Contemporary Texts and Discourses. Mohammed V University, Rabat. [6] Escobar, Arturo. 2005. Notes on Networks and Anti-Globalization Social Movements. Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina. [7] Ibid [8] Wikipedia.com. 2005. Social Identity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_identity [9] Ibid [10] The Australian National University.2005. Social Identity. http://www.anu.edu.au/psychology/groups/categorisation/socialidentity.php [11] Ibid [12] The Australian National University.2005. Social Identity. http://www.anu.edu.au/psychology/groups/categorisation/socialidentity.php [13] Ibid [14] Ibid [15] Ibid [16] The Australian National University.2005. Social Identity. http://www.anu.edu.au/psychology/groups/categorisation/socialidentity.php [17] Ibid [18] Wikipedia.co. 2005. Social-conflict theory. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social-conflict_theory [19] Wikipedia.co. 2005. Social-conflict theory. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social-conflict_theory [20] Marxist.com. 2005. 90 Years of the Communist Manifesto. http://www.marxist.com/150years/trotskyintro.html [21] www.pitt.edu. 2005. Basic Concepts and Definitions. http://www.pitt.edu/~heinisch/basic.html

Controversy in Hinduism

Controversy in Hinduism The Householder And The Renunciation Of Ideals Hinduism is one of the major South Asian religions surrounded by controversy about social and religious limits of a person. More importantly there is a divisive tension between the householder ideal and the renunciate ideal in Hinduism. Whereas the householder ideal emphasizes on leading normal social life and undertaking all that it appertains, renunciate ideal on the other hand is more concerned about leading an isolated religious life. This difference constitutes the major source of tension (Kitagawa 13). There is the polarization of the people in terms of severity and sensuality. This difference assumes the form of tension between the ambitions to emancipation and, on the other hand, the heartfelt craving to go through the due stages of social life performing all earthly life. This tension is manifested in Hindu social life in the form of the tension sandwiched between the different goals of an individual and stages of life (ashrama). The comparative importance of an active social life in the householder ideal characterized by the performance of commendable works ( pravrtti ) compared to the abandonment of all earthly interests and activity ( nivrtti ) brews up great debates in Hinduism (Flood 64). There are those minor single sided religions which lay much emphasize on renunciation. However, dharma texts propose that the householder ideal is the way forward. According to Eliade (345), the householder maintains his consecrated fire, procreates brood, and faithfully performs his customary duties perfectly and subsequently earns spiritual worth. The four stages of life (ashramas) contained in Hindu religious texts are a deliberate attempt to harmonize the existing tension in Hinduism. That Hindus ought to go through the various stages which involve part of social and religious undertakings points at the harmonization attempts (Flood 65). According to the doctrine of four stages, an ideal Hindu should become a chaste student, then proceed and become a matrimonial householder. This is the point where he discharges his duties to the long gone ancestors through siring sons. To the gods a person is expected to offer sacrifices at this stage. The next stage of life is retirement, where one withdraws to the forests for devotion to religious contemplation (Thursby and Mittal 392). There are four main stages of life (ashrama) in the life of a Hindu. The first stage is marked by ones state of being a student. This stage (Brahmacharya) is spent in celibacy and absolute isolation. Hindus in this stage are in controlled contemplation through spiritual guidance (Flood 64). The obligatory restrictions in this stage do not allow those in the stage to sample renunciation. The householders stage involves marriage and the satisfaction of karma (responsibilities) in the social and professional undertakings. At this stage a Hindu is supposed to support their parents, siblings and religious figures. These responsibilities cannot allow a Hindu to consider renunciation. At the retirement phase, vanaprastha, Hindus gradually detach from the material world Thursby and Mittal 391). Although this stage involves retirements from many social responsibilities Hindus at the stage are too aged to engage in renunciation. Nevertheless this is the most probable stage during which a person can indulge in religious matters. The last stage known as sannyasa involves complete renunciation of worldly responsibilities and is associated with religious devotion (Flood 64). According to the Bhagavad-Gita the apparent tension between renunciation and the duties of social life is inconsequential. Though the householder ideal is among the social duties a Hindu is expected to undergo, renunciation, done at the right stage in life will not contradict this. An individual is supposed to go through the four stages of life to the latter and this will enable them to go through the two ideal peacefully (Thursby and Mittal 395). Bhagavad-Gita disregards the apparent emphasize and extolling associated with the householder ideal and the associated social responsibilities. There are also those authorities according much importance to the chaste studentship phase of life. The studentship stage though pivotal in the other phases of life of a Hindu is a mere preparations stage. Studentship stage is as important as the other stages in the life of a Hindu (Kitagawa 20). Accomplishing the various responsibilities of a person is a move towards their spiritual well being. Child bearing for instance is a call towards living according to the requirements of the ancestors. This means that for a Hindu to participate in the duties performed by the householder is in itself a move towards satisfying the renunciation ideal. Other responsibilities are directly associated with moving the individual towards the requirements of the religious ideal. These include sacrifices and the observation of rituals which is done at the householder stage (Eliade 347). It is clear that the apparent differences between the householder ideal and the r renunciate ideal creates some form of tension in Hinduism. The householder ideal follows the social responsibilities of a person while the renunciate ideal is for strict adherence to spiritual matters, away from social lives. Though the householder ideal and the renunciate ideal are apparently divergent, they are all means geared towards the same direction. Through the observation of the doctrine of the four stages of life in Hinduism the tension between the two ideals wanes. Understanding both the householder and renunciate ideals is important in understanding the requirements of Hinduism. Works Cited Eliade, Mircea. The Encyclopedia of religion, London, UK: Macmillan, 1987 Flood, Gavin. An introduction to Hinduism, London, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1996 Kitagawa, Joseph. Religious traditions of Asia, the: religion, history and culture, London, UK: Routledge Thursby, George and Mittal, Sushil. The Hindu world, London, UK: Routledge, 2004

Comparing the AIDS Epidemic and The Plague :: Compare Contrast Disease Health Essays

Comparing the AIDS Epidemic and The Plague The destruction and devastation caused by the 'Black Death' of the Middle Ages was a phenomenon left to wonder at in text books of historical Europe. An unstoppable plague swept the continent taking as much as eighty percent of the European population along with it (Forsyth). Today the world is plagued with a similar deadly disease. The AIDS epidemic continues to be incurable. In an essay written by David Herlihy, entitled 'Bubonic Plague: Historical Epidemiology and the Medical Problems,' the historic bubonic plague is compared with the current AIDS epidemic of today. According to his research, AIDS will probably prove to be the plague of the millennium (Herlihy p. 18). If one compares the epidemiology and social impact of these diseases they prove to be quite similar. The current AIDS epidemic has the potential to be the most dangerous and destructive plague of the millennium. No one knows exactly how the AIDS virus erupted. However, one presently dominant theory states that AIDS originated from monkeys in Africa that transmitted the HIV virus to humans through bites (Forsyth). As people migrated it reached Haiti and then spread to America (Clark p. 65). The bubonic plague, too, was a spontaneous epidemic. The Black Death occurred because a bacillus was carried by fleas that fed off the blood of humans and transmitted the deadly bacillus in the process (Packer). It began in China and spread by migration throughout all of Europe and even America (Forsyth). Efforts to contain both diseases were entirely unsuccessful. AIDS is now an international problem as was the bubonic plague. Like the bubonic plague did in the Middle Ages, AIDS is spreading at an alarming rate. In 1994 seventeen million people around the world were infected with the HIV virus that causes AIDS, and four million had developed the disease (Packer). It is estimated that by the year 2000 more than forty million people, ninety percent in developing countries will be infected (Packer). The Black Death of the Middle Ages exterminated a third of the population of Europe in just four years. Also, like the bubonic plague, AIDS was once only found among certain delineated social groups: (Herlihy p. 18) drug abusers and homosexuals in this country and in prostitutes and their contacts in Africa. Due to the early epidemiology of AIDS cases, it was believed that only certain populations in specific areas were infected. Aids may have started out in small communities, but it spread quickly and widely.

Radicalism :: essays research papers

The world of American radicalism has changed greatly over the past century. Organizations ranging from the Ku Klux Klan, founded in 1866 to more recently organized groups like the Militia Movement, only about ten years old show the transitions in American radicalism, and the different states it has endured.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is believed that the first incarnate of the racist right, as a political position started during the French Revolution with the myth of a Jewish conspiracy. Over many years this spread into the 20th century gaining popularity in the 1920’s. This was an added inspiration for the Ku Klux Klan, and added to their anti-black and anti-catholic agendas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Ku Klux Klan was started by six young men who organized a fraternal club where they would wear costumes and ride around after dark. They soon realized they were instilling fear into the community, but predominantly in the areas where the former slaves were living. Seeing this effect they quickly gained members, and within a year they began to structure rules for their organization. Inciting terror was their first goal, but it didn’t take long for them to act out further by harassment, arson and even murder of not just Blacks, but also Northern teachers, judges, politicians, or anyone they felt went against their code.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From 1915 until 1924 the Ku Klux Klan enjoyed a huge growth in membership. At one point they claimed more then 100,000 members, and at one point 40,000 of them marched in Washington D.C. during a Democratic National Convention. The Klan was so influential that it actually attracted new allies and members from the political body, primarily in the Mid-West. As the Klan grew it became increasingly violent and uncontrollable. This went against the image they were trying to present of â€Å"Law and Order.† Shortly after, in 1929 the Ku Klux Klan dissolved into many dozens of smaller, local groups.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Though currently suffering its greatest decline since the 1940s, with its three most prominent national units of the era: the United Clans of America, the Invisible Empire Knights of the KKK and the Knights of the KKK, either defunct or factionalized, America's oldest hate group, the codes of the Ku Klux Klan continues to operate on a local level, in some instances still engaging in illegal acts of violence and intimidation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Christian Knights of the Ku Klux Klan was formed in 1985 by Virgil Griffin and based in Mount Holly, North Carolina.

Father LaTour as the Hero in Death Comes for the Archbishop Essay

Father LaTour as the Hero in Death Comes for the Archbishop In Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop, the heroic ideal whose definition began with Moby-Dick is again viewed. Father LaTour is clearly seen as having an elevated status, concern and understanding for the people, and a desire to make a lasting mark on the land that becomes his home. These characteristics were seen in differing ways in both Ahab and Jo in Little Women. In The Red Badge of Courage, the concept of courage in the hero was addressed. This quality too is seen in Father LaTour. Father Vaillant also displays many of these characteristics. Both priests are fully consecrated, they just live it out differently. They have committed themselves to self-sacrifice for the sake of those whom they seek to serve and exhibit strong inner courage in the setting aside of self. However, Father Vaillant's very presence has hinged upon the influence of Father LaTour in his life, thus ultimately pointing back to Father LaTour s the heroic figure in the novel. "The new Vicar must be a young man, of strong constitution, full of zeal, and above all, intelligent. He will have to deal with savagery and ignorance, with dissolute priests and political intrigue. He must be a man to whom order is necessary--as dear as life" (Cather 8). With this opening description, Cather introduces the caliber of man to be found in Father LaTour. When he discovers the juniper tree in the shape of a cross, his immediate response is one of grateful worship. He is described as ". . . a priest in a thousand . . . . His bowed head was not that of an ordinary man . . ." (Cather 18). Father LaTour's role as a leader is found partly in his position in the church, but it is validated b... ... the opportunity comes, he recognizes that intellect is not everything and that his life's fulfillment is in his serving until death among his Mexican and Indian populace. The country thought in the Prologue to drain him of his youth (p. 8), becomes in the end the source of life for him. Father LaTour lives what he preaches. This makes it possible for him to say he shall die from having lived (Cather 267). Father LaTour assumes his role of leadership, impacts the lives of those he encounters, displays great courage, and above all is self-sacrificing. He does not hope for personal gain in his actions. Ultimately, Father LaTour exhibits many heroic characteristics in an unassuming manner that leads to the addition of this quality to the working definition of the heroic. Works Cited Cather, Willa. Death Comes for the Archbishop. NY: Vintage Books, 1990.