Kimbell Art Museum Essay

The Kimbell Art Museum at Fort Worth, Texas houses some of the most exquisite and fascinating art pieces. The museum boasts of its wide array of collection of paintings, sculptures, potteries and other historical and cultural artifacts from all over the world. Visiting this place is like going through a time machine because of the many artworks from different periods in history that you can see and even touch. Visitors can enjoy both the beauty of the old and the new and at the same time comprehend the perspectives of the traditional and the avant-garde. Ancient masterpieces that date back as old as the prehistoric period are displayed alongside modern artworks. Most of the collections exhibited at the museum had existed way before I was even born. Meanwhile, there are also items that are so recent that I am not even aware of them. The diversity of paintings, sculptures and other artworks is so overwhelming that it inspires the visitors to be in touch with their creative or â€Å"artsy† side. The various collections and exhibitions are not the only attractions of the museum because the museum itself is also considered as a work of art. The modern design of the building and the manner the space and the natural light were utilized â€Å"enhanced the experience of the art (Kimbell Art Museum). Moreover, when I was looking around in and out of the museum, I stumbled upon a collection of a few Greek art pieces. In this part of the museum, there was this one object that caught my attention and interest. To feed my curiosity, I went closer to see the object up-close and to learn more about it. It was a black vase with red graphics painted on it. According to the description, the vase was credited to Brygos Painter which was made around 490–480 B. C. during the late archaic period (Kimbell Art Museum). Back then, the red-figure and black-figure vases were the prominent works of art made by skilful artists. These vases were constructed based on their specific functions for everyday and ritual activities. Meanwhile, the â€Å"pictorial decorations provide insights into many aspects of Athenian life and complement the literary texts and inscriptions from the Archaic and, especially, Classical periods. † This particular vase is called the â€Å"lekythos or the one-handled oil jug. † Moreover, Brygos Painter was considered as a â€Å"second-generation master of the red-figure style. † Most of his masterpieces exuded â€Å"freshness and vigor of Late Archaic art† (The Metropolitan Museum of Art). On the illustration painted on the vase, it displayed the image of a Greek god called Eros who is also known as the â€Å"god of love. † In this particular visual representation, he was portrayed as an archer with wings with a bow and arrow. Also, Eros was nude with only a mantle covering his shoulders. Meanwhile, the facial expression was stoic but with a hint of serene concentration as Eros get ready to draw his bow. In this period, the mastery of human form was not that evident but artists were able to provide a close depiction of the human body which was shown in the muscular definitions of the body of Eros specifically at the chest and torso area. More so, the figure lacked depth emphasizing the two-dimensionality feature of the painting. The position of Eros, with the right foot slightly bent with the left foot stretched and combined with the extended arms pointing to the left holding the bow and arrow, showed motion. Through this body gesture, the artist was able to create movement for the figure which at that time was considered as a sophisticated painting technique. Additionally, the series of repetitive intricate patterns drawn all over the vase gave the painting texture making it more interesting and visually appealing. Also, the floral design on the base of the neck of the vase provided fluidity to the overall painting because of the curves and various shapes incorporated. Works Cited â€Å"About the Museum. † 2008. Kimbell Art Museum. 19 November 2008 . â€Å"Athenian Vase Painting: Black- and Red-Figure Techniques. † 2008. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 19 November 2008 . â€Å"Greek. † 2008. Kimbell Art Museum. 19 November 2008 .

Women Are Better Than Men

Women are Better than Men English Research Paper Regina Erica T. Varilla January 25, 2012 Introduction As to the talk of gender superiority, it is clear that history had given men the advantage. For the past several millennia, men had worn the crown of authority, seated upon the highest seat of honor, and wielded the mighty arm of power. For all those years, women had no chance but to fall under power, to live a life of service and obedience, and to remain invisible, oppressed and inferior. Times change, however, and along with modernization came a tsunami of altercation.Riding on top of those powerful waves, with full control of the situation, are women. Research and statistics have proven that women are rapidly gaining dominion of almost every good aspect in life. In academics, for example, girls are receiving most of the awards and positions, including the top rankings and extra-curricular activities such as the yearbook and the student journal. Even in fields wherein men are know n to be specialized in, women are now thriving. In jobs, statistics show that the jobless rates for men are sky-rocketing while the jobless rates for women are going to an all-time low.Simply put, this means that men are being put out of commission while women are flourishing. More and more women are now standing up from their previous position of kneeling at the feet of men. Recently in India, 285 girls shed â€Å"unwanted† names. In Africa, 49% of the parliament is now composed of women. A revolution is happening, and this is proof of it. Scope This research paper covers the comparison between men and women at the subjects of physical weakness, emotional weakness, Biblical origins, safe driving, and the ability to survive in society, including academic ability, ndurance, and independence. Objective The main objective of this research paper is to prove women’s superiority in most aspects, especially in this generation. Other aspects include: * To empower women more * To show the true potential of women * To prove to society that this is an era for women * To bring about a reformation * To end the debate over gender superiority for all time * To end discrimination on women * To let the world see the multiple values of women in humankind Significance of Study This research paper strives to prove the superiority of women over men as multiple evidences prove.Due to a long history of males being the superior gender, society has failed to see entirely the concept that a new era has come, and along with it, another call for change; a change which demands society to remove the blindfold of habitual ways and to accept the world with its new leaders: Women First and foremost, his research paper will affect women in the sense that they will hopefully see and understand that humanity, even though it may not yet fully realize it, has already accepted them as the new superpowers, and that the world is ready for their taking.They just have to stand and have th e confidence, which hopefully shall be further strengthened by this collection of data, to rule supreme, as they are made to be. This research paper shall help empower other women to face the world without fear, knowing that the circumstances are favorably on their side. The contents of this research paper shall also affect men, though in a different approach. It shall be an eye-opener for them who believe in women being the inferior gender, and hopefully make them see that women are no longer the weaklings they previously thought women are.As for those who are not subject to such beliefs, this shall also affect them due to the huge probability of men being overrun soon, and may be required to find a way to save themselves in the near future. Another group of people predicted to find interest in this paper shall be the feminists. By showing that women are steadily growing into power and seating themselves in chairs of authority, it is then proved that these feminists’ efforts were not in vain. On the contrary, they have worked exceedingly well.If the citizens change, then it is mandatory for the government shall evolve with them. It may not be long before majority of the cabinet members become women, and perhaps even sooner, the head of the country itself. Women in history have always worked behind the scenes. As the quotation â€Å"History repeats itself† tells us, the reign of women in the field of politics will no doubt be much less scandalous than present. The workforce of the country may also be severely infected. Businesses up until now have preferred men over women.Modern machinery, however, have tipped the balance of the scale. With the need of physical strength no longer in play, women now have a fair or perhaps an even better chance at jobs than men. It can be estimated that at the late 21st century, women shall be the expected breadwinner of the family. Body Physical Weakness When it comes to the battle of the sexes, the subject of phy sical vulnerability can never be ignored. People generally have this misconception where in girls are the weaker gender between the two. It is a misconception, because they are not the weaker gender at all.They cannot be blamed for having this wrong idea, as boys have more cerebrospinal fluid (protects skull from damage) and are more fitting to receive painful blows. The medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery even stated that women have 34 nerve fibers per square centimeter of facial skin, while men only have 17 nerve fibers per square centimeter of facial skin. Also, according to a 2008 report from the University of Georgia in Athens, boys have a more advanced pain suppressing circuit that is less effectively wired in women.Thus, it cannot be denied that girls still experience more pain in their lifetime. A few more examples are giving birth, having menstruation, and possessing more weak spots. Furthermore, these pains come naturally to them, as opposed to boys, wherein the fights they get into are purely their decision. They know it, but chose to ignore this fact. Men, however, do not have knowledge of one of women’s secret weapons, that is, estrogen. In 2002, researchers at the University of Michigan have proven that high levels of estrogen mean at least equal or higher pain tolerance than men.This can be extremely useful during menstruation, pregnancy, and even child birth. Estrogen, however, is not the only weapon that womankind has. All those ear piercings, body waxing and high heeled shoes must have hurt very much, and since a girl is not on her period all the time, then it must not only be estrogen at work. According to a professor from Columbia University, research has shown that the more a person notices pain, the more it is amplified. Since women are willing to go through such pains for extensive periods of time, they have gotten used these pain signals.Not long after, the brain will start ignoring these signals, leading to better pain tolerance. Over time, women can develop this endurance to surpass that of men’s. Emotional Weakness Both genders experience emotional and psychological letdowns. The difference between how they react, however, is extremely huge. Thanks to Hollywood, women are generally mistaken as the weaker gender. This holds absolutely no truth at all. Research has proven that both men and women experience the same depression and vulnerability during an emotional letdown. What differs, however, is how they let the stress out of their systems.According to SAGE, women tend to turn to social circles, thus their depression is observed and understood, while men tend to confine themselves and avoid any social contact, leading to a build-up of even more stress and depression due to being hidden and misunderstood. This is disastrous for men as the loss of socialization is the cause of the problem in the first place, and may resort to drugs, drinking, and violence just to â€Å"numb† th e feeling off. This then may lead to crime, resulting to a higher crime rate for men, and a chain of events and statistics. Survival in the SocietyA tradition that goes back in time is the thinking that males are the breadwinner of the family. The reason for this is in ancient history, when food is mainly acquired from hunting, needing attributes like developed muscles and huge bone structures. This task is best fitted for men. Modern times, however, has a different sort of battlefield. The difference in the demand for physical strength between then and now is vast. During the past millennia, physical labor is extremely high. In this modernized world, however, equal or even greater strength can be achieved through the press of only a few buttons.The industrial era of today involves intelligence and skill, both attributes being thoroughly honed by women to make up for the lack of strength. One reason for these differences is the different composition of the male and female brains. Sc ientists at the University of Pennsylvania’s Brain Behavior Laboratory found out that although the females’ brains are on average 11% smaller than males’, they still have more grey matter (used for processing information). Males have more white matter (fat-covered long fibers that transmit electrical impulses) and cerebrospinal fluid (acts as buffer from the skull).This may mean that women are designed to have certain advantages in processing information and men are designed to have quicker reflexes and more solid protection for physical blows. Other factors responsible for the female brain boost maybe the higher rate of blood flow to certain parts of the brain and again, estrogen levels. According to Dr. Legato, author of Why Men Never Remember and Women Never Forget, the part of the brain that controls languages in females receive more nutrition, therefore making it easier for women to recall what they have heard or read.This may explain the ability of women t o socialize and to manage conversation well, and possibly the exceptional ability of data interpretation. As for estrogen, he had said that it activates a larger field of neurons in a woman’s brain, so they experience stress in a more accurate way, even when only reliving the memory. Proofs of females having superior academic abilities are already cropping up. According to a report from CBSNews, boys are falling behind as girls tend to outshine them. Peter Badalment, principal of Hanover High School in Massachusetts, said that girls took home almost all the honors for nearly the past decade.Once again, it was a girl who became valedictorian, the latest of a nine-year-streak. In the school’s advanced placement classes (equivalent of a cream section or a star section), majority (about 70%-80%) of the students comprise of girls, even in the field of Math, which is the section boys used to dominate. He also stated that in AP biology, there were no boys around at all. Also according to Badalment, 3 out of 4 class leadership positions belong to girls. Not only are they achieving in class, they are also the leaders of extracurricular activities and clubs such as the National Honor Society and the batch’s yearbook.Even in college, campuses get more qualified women applicants. Women now comprise nearly 60% of the campus student body, earning 170,000 more degrees It is not only in the field of academics that women are proving to be much more efficient, but also in getting high paying jobs. When comparing charts for jobless rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Haver Analytics, it is clear that the trend for jobless men is rising, while the trend for jobless women is plunging. If this trend persists, it will mean that in the future, there will be more working women than working men.The possibility of having a â€Å"househusband† may be hovering before humanity in the near future. Driving It is common knowledge that cars and driving ski lls are â€Å"a boy thing†. This, however, does not mean that they do it well; this battle is, as the common saying goes, â€Å"quality versus quantity†. Although men are generally known to drive more, women are found to drive safer. Statistics show that on percentage basis, men have about 5% more violations than women. Reckless driving tops the list, with men’s violations more than 340% than that of women’s.DUI (Driving Under Influence or Drunk Driving) and Seatbelt violations are next in line, also more than 300% in ratio than the violations of women. Reports does not make it easier for men, as it say that women, for one, tend to survive in accidents more often, and two, they make less damage to the vehicles, as confirmed by many auto insurance industry experts. Biblical Origins It is commonly repeated by anti-feminists that God created men first, then the woman, out of the man, as it states in Genesis 2:22(KJV Bible) clearly: â€Å"And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman†.This, however, is not a mark of superiority; there simply has to be a filtering process first. It is just like the process involved in producing white sugar. The raw material comes in the form of sugar canes. These are just like the mud used to form man. They are useful, but in a different, less significant way when compared to their output products. These canes are then crushed and processed until they become brown sugar, coarse and as the name indicates, brown. This is man, as first made by God. They are crude sketches. This brown sugar is further processed and refined. The end result shall be white sugar.This white sugar is, at last, women. Being â€Å"refined†, they are finer, improved, and much more preferred. Another common mistake made by the general public is the misconception of the word ‘sons’. In old times, ‘son’ can refer to 2 definitions. The first defines the word as ‘male ch ild’; the second defines the word as ‘human offspring’, with no particular gender involved. It is, therefore, of no substantial argument. Summary and Conclusion To put it simply, women are scientifically and statistically proven to be the greater gender. Physical and emotional weaknesses have fewer tolls upon women.The lack of physical strength has been overcome by technological advances. There are no shortages to brain power, and independence has been steadily growing for the past few decades. With all these facts and data supporting the side of women, it is clear that the battle has been won. Modernization has proved an invaluable friend, having provided women access to fields they have never been allowed to step upon before. Now that they are at those fields, they are proving good at it. It is simple to predict that in a few decades’ time, women will have taken over completely. BibliographyAbrams, Dan. Man Down. USA: Abrams Imagery Animated. 2011 Belkin , Lisa. â€Å"Preferring Girls Over Boys†. The New York Times. February 25, 2010 [email  protected] com â€Å"Preference for Sons on the Wane†. April 29, 2011. http://English. chosun. com/site/data/html_dir/2011/04/29/2011042901189. html â€Å"How Sugar is Made† http://www. sucrose. com KJV Bible Kohn, David. â€Å"The Gender Gap†. CBNNews. February 11, 2009. http://www. cbsnews. com/stories/2002/10/31/60minutes/main527678. shtml Lazarus, Clifford N. PhD. â€Å"Why Women Are the Superior Gender†. Think Well. February 2, 2011 Lee, Yonson and Beth Mowry. Gender Differences in Emplyment Statistics†. http://www. clecelandfed. org/research/trends/2008/0508/04ecoact. cfm Lewin, Tamar. â€Å"At Colleges, Women are Leaving Men in the Dust†. The New York Times. July 9, 2006 Mackey, Maureen. â€Å"Who Remembers What? †. Reader’s Digest. March 2008. http://www. rd. com/family/who-remembers-what. html Mulrine, Anna. â€Å"Are Boys the Weaker Sex? †. Reader’s Digest. Hong Kong: Reader’s Digest Association Far East. October 2002. â€Å"Sugar Production From Sugar Cane â€Å". http://www. itdg. org/docs/technical_information_service/sugar_production_from_cane. pdf

The Target Population Assignment-Phoenix, Arizona Essay

The Target Population Assignment-Phoenix, Arizona - Essay Example The median age of this area is 32.2 years old. The target customers that I have chosen fall between 25 and 59 years old. The total population between 25 to 60 years old is 702,301, and its percentage is 48.6% out of 100%. The total population of female is 671,176 and the population of male is 649,285. This implies that the targeted population constitutes 48.6 % of the total population. This figure is quite large and it can sustain the business of a restaurant. The educational attainment of most people in Phoenix, Arizona is mixed. Some people have gone as far as college but they have no degrees. Around 23% of the people reached high school. Only 15.1% of the population has got bachelor’s degree. These statistics are likely to have a bearing on the behaviour of the targeted consumers towards the products and services going to be offered. Most people in Phoenix, Arizona are doing management, professional and related occupations. Also, around 177,600 People in Phoenix, Arizona are sales and office occupations. Only 0.3% people are doing farming, fishing and forestry occupations. A critical analysis of the population statistics for Phoenix, Arizona shows that the area presents good opportunities for establishing restaurant business. The total population of the whole area is 1, 321, 045 and the targeted population is between 25 and 59 years constituting about 700 000 of the total population. What is encouraging about the statistics presented is that about 66% of the targeted audiences go to work and only 3,7 % is unemployed. On average, the level of income of the targeted consumers for restaurant business is above average and this can sustain business. There are positive indicators that show that the welfare of the people in this area is not very bad and new business initiative including a restaurant can be

MGT506 - Strategic Leadership, Mod 3 Case PowerPoint Presentation

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Are Video Games Art Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Are Video Games Art - Research Paper Example ies which immerses the player engaging them deeply in the real life problems they face like depression and living in an abusive home, or the Shadow of Colossus wherein symbolism comes into play and all the characters designed with complex details, the list of the games invoking a personal response from a player are endless. Aaron Smuts in his article â€Å"Are videogames Art?† uses the examples of games like ‘Max Payne’ (2001), ‘Halo’ (2001) and ‘Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (2002) to explain how videogames posses the ‘aesthetic potential’ which engages the player implying it is a promising art. ‘Max Payne’ has a very detailed plot and touches upon the story of an unprincipled cop who sets out to seek revenge of the death of his wife and his child. The game engrosses the player as he controls the advances of the character; dealing with different conspiracies weaved in the screenplay, hungry for revenge. Similarly, Halo involves many twists in the plot and the player enjoys slowly uncovering where the army as crash landed. The game Splinter Cell has been designed to trigger a feeling of tension in the player as he hides around from the lurking danger. Most of the game consists of hiding around in suspense. The game has the immense quality of having detailed maneuvers of different character, remarkable lighting effects and a prolific shadow play. All these details along with the suspense ridden story involving the player deeply are nothing a work of art. Smuts states that the games are the products of sophisticated technology and the graphics are close to real life, though it can not match the greatness of artworks in the history but it surely agrees with the definition by invoking some emotions in the player (Smuts 2005). Videogames to be determined as art should possess the quality of emotionally involving the players. The game ‘Alice: Madness Returns’ tells a story about a girl who sees her whole family die as a result of fire and leaving

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Reflection on Learning Skills Development

Reflection on Learning Skills Development Learning Preferences Learning is a life long process and can be had in various shapes and forms. It can be based on education, experience, formal training etc. Every individual has his preferred way of learning which can change during the course of his lifetime. Eg. Individuals can prefer class-room learning when they are young and formal training when they grow old. Usually learning based on experience is considered one of the best ways to learn, but George Bernard Shaw (cited in Moyer, 2007) believes that experience doesn’t guarantee learning. He points out that men are wise in proportion, not to their experience, but to their capacity for experience and one needs to pay attention to find the lessons. Formal training is another way to learn and has been greatly successful within organizations over the years. But, Peter Drucker in his article â€Å"Managing Oneself† (HBR March–April 1999; pg 148) doubts the effectives of formal training by stating that training can be an impediment to learning because it is based on the assumption that there is only one right way to learn. Education and class-room based learning have traditionally been a preferred mode of learning. Rapid rise in technology and its applications has meant ready and continuous access to training and business communications which has meant that learning can now be more timely, specific and synchronous (Sullivan, 2003). Today’s generation want to be connected to instant messaging and short, highly-focused training that can be quickly downloaded and accessed via mobile phones, PDAs, or MP3 players(Ware, 2007; pg 58). Every learning technique has its advantages and limitations and the most preferred learning technique depends on variables like age, life-style, receptiveness and responsiveness of the brain, patience etc. Preferred Team Roles Teams have become a key component in organizations; properly working teams are now central to the organizations health. (Fisher at el., 1998) Because of the growing emphasis on team-working, a lot of research has gone into the structure, dynamics and the operations of the team. This has led to segregating team member by their functionality and the roles and responsibilities they entail as a part of the team. Belbin (1981) identified eight different roles within the team with each member complementing the others strengths and compensating for the weaknesses. Belbin classified and named his team roles as: The plant – Is a problem solver and has innovative, creative and unorthodox way of dealing with situations. Has a strong ownership of ideas. The resource investigator – Is the networking member the team that explores opportunities through new and pre-existing contacts. Is an extrovert, enthusiastic individual having good communication skills. The coordinator – Coordinates different activities of the team and acts as a chairperson. Is responsible for most of the decision making and is normally more experienced than other members. The Shaper – Overcomes obstacles with his drive and courage. Thrives on pressure. Monitor-Evaluator – Has good judgment and the ability to look at the bigger picture. Has more strategic focus. TeamWorker – Responsible for avoiding conflicts and making sure the team gels together and coordinates well. Implementer – Responsible for turning ideas into actions. Completer – Is a perfectionist responsible for finishing the project on time. (Belbin, 1993) Attitudes to Decisions making No matter what sector or industry people work in, they have to make decisions. Decision making involves risk because, most often than not, the outcome cannot be guaranteed. By definition, a decision involves choice and therein lie the difficulty- making the right choice. (McGuire, 2002) The degree of risk involved is greater if the decision is made at the strategic level as compared to the tactical and operational level. Normal attitudes to decision making include: Indecisiveness – People try to evade decision making because it involves risk. Faced with choices and being unclear about which one to make leads to indecisiveness and inaction. Over Analysis – Another attitude to decision making can be over-analyzing options to make sure the correct decision is made. Langdon (2001) calls it ‘paralysis by analysis’ syndrome which means inaction caused by too much thinking. Decisions made on past experiences (historical evidence)– Decisions, at times, are also made by on past experiences without considering the current situation. Eg. If faced with a similar problem as in the past, there is likelihood that the decision similar to the one made in the past will be made. Other attitudes to decision making include decisions made in haste and decisions made without proper consultation with others. Leadership and management skills Leadership is the ability to obtain results from others through personal direction and influence and requires management of self and management of others. Leadership and management differ in the way that management is concerned with ensuring things remain as they are and is often done by standard practice and regulation; leadership involves possessing vision, and the ability to communicate that vision. Leaders should possess the following skills Problem Solving – Problem solving involves identification and definition of the problem, generation of a number of solutions that could be accepted, evaluation of alternatives and their outcomes. An important attribute within problem solving is, communication, in particular, listening skills, as various opinions and possible solutions are being generated. The leader has to see the big picture and choose the best possible solution (decision-making). Decision making – Decision making goes hand in hand with problem solving (as cited in the last paragraph). Every aspect of leadership requires decision making. Delegation, for example, requires the manager to decide which individual is suited for specific tasks and how to distribute work in an optimal and best possible way. Communication – It is very important that the leader has regular and open communication with both the customer and the team members. Change-management – Managing change is also vital to effective leadership because changes might be requested by the stakeholders, caused by unexpected events. Therefore, it is important that the leader has the skills to manage and control change and make sure that the impact of change on accomplishing objectives is kept to a minimum. Management skills Independent of the leadership ability, managers has been studied to have different styles. The style chosen by a manager depends on the assumptions that they make about subordinates, what they think they want and what they consider their attitude towards work to be. Managers have to provide direction to the team, the drive and motivation to work as a part of the team, represent the purpose of team working and working as a group. All the components mentioned below are essential traits of a leader. There has been a widespread acceptance that leadership is an essential management component but it has proved to be difficult to identify the elements of effective leadership and how effective leadership relates to good management practices. (James Walke, 2004) It is worth pointing out that there is no one best style of leadership that is equally effective for all circumstances. The best leadership style is the one that fulfills the need of the group the most, while at the same time satisfy the needs of the external stakeholders. Personal Development plan Areas of development Author’s weaknesses lie in the following areas: Delegation skills – The author is not very good at delegating tasks and has an inherent weakness to doubt others capabilities. He is more comfortable when most of the crucial responsibilities and decision making rests in his own hands and where he just tells the team what to do. Communication – Communication in one of the author’s other weaknesses. This takes off from his delegation style, because he believes in centralized decision making and the need to communicate with subordinates or other team members is seldom realized. Negotiation – The author also finds himself lacking in negotiation skills at times. He is good at understanding and knowing the background to the problem but it’s the bargaining phase of negotiation that the author is not very good at (especially in project management environment). Strengths (Key Skills) Author’s strengths lie in: Organization and Planning – The author excels at organization and planning and makes good use of planning tools. He takes time out to decide on the critical activities and the slack and apportion responsibilities accordingly. He has a clear understanding of the tasks ahead and prioritizes tasks according to their order of importance. Motivation – The author is a highly motivated individual who could turn on creative juices, fight against odds and walk the extra mile to reach set goal and attain objectives. Change Management – Embracing change is another one of the author’s positive traits. He has always identified the need to change and how change can be effectively implemented with least resistance. Background Preferred team role The author’s preferred team role based on his capabilities is that of the ‘plant’ (going by Belbin’s classifications). Armed with strong theoretical basics and practical training, he has a strong ownership of ideas. The author also possesses an unorthodox way (out of the box thinking) of dealing things and is always looking for new and better ways to tackle issues and solve problems. He is skeptical to an all-logical approach to problem solving and does not always adhere to norms and proven ways of doing things. Author’s weakness lies in his ability to work under pressure and to consequently avoid situations that may entail pressure. Decision making style The author does make decisions after a proper analysis of the situation and how the decision affects individuals and the organization. His decision making style involves a process of elimination where a final decision is taken after eliminating alternatives. The author’s weaknesses lie in giving minimal consideration to external factors. What is required for decision making is the use of appropriate decision making tools. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is one such tool which helps to assess the internal and external decision making environment. Edward de Bono’s ‘six thinking hats’ is another tool for making team decisions. Before making a decision, the author has to make sure that the impact on external stakeholders is also considered. One of the other weaknesses of the author is the tendency to rush with decisions (haste). To overcome this, the author has to make sure that the issue is defined properly, all the information and alte rnatives are carefully considered and all the options weighed and evaluated before the decision is made. Preferred learning style The author’s preferred mode of learning is through hands-on training after having a firm theoretical knowledge of the basic concepts. A good way to learn for the author would be to start with a theoretical learning exercise through a tutor based class-room course and then having to execute the learning with hands-on training under some supervision. This would be an ideal scenario as it blends theory and practice. It might take some extra time to carry out the training, but at the end of it, the author would have added sufficient skills and is likely to be more efficient while working. This will also make sure sufficient time is allocated to train individuals; training is not rushed with and does not cover just one aspect (theoretical or practical). Goals The author sets goals based on his strengths. He makes sure that the goal is specific. A specific goal like improving profitability by 3% in the next financial year gives direction to the efforts. Also the author makes sure that the set goals can be measured (in relative or absolute terms) and are attainable. If goals are far too optimistic (unrealistic) and beyond reach, then it tend to have an adverse effect on motivation. The author only sets goals which he believes can be accomplished. It is made sure that the goal is attained within a specific time frame. Goal setting is a variable process for the author where the goal can be varied depending on external and unforeseen circumstances. Goals are set based on authors past performances and it is made sure that the goals are neither too easy nor too difficult to attain. Planning A plan is devised by the author to attain goals. Firstly, the author lists key skills required to attain the goal along with other requirements and constraints. Then a structure is given to the planning process to bring all aspects of planning together into a coherent, unified process. The planning structure includes analysis of opportunities, identification of aims, exploring of options, selection of the best option, evaluation of the plan followed by implementation and closure of the plan. Opportunities Setting up a goals and giving direction to the career to achieve that goals opens up several opportunities. The first opportunity is to realize the shortcomings and working on improving them. When we list our goals, we build our self-image and we see ourselves worthy of these goals which acts as a motivating agent. (Hosking Bass, 2001) As a result, we try our best to develop the traits and personality that allows us to possess those goals. Improving on weaknesses and learning through experience are the two best opportunities to be gained from the self development process. Progress The author makes use of indicators like Gantt Charts (See Appendix 1) and Network diagrams (See Appendix 2) to track progress. Gantt charts help in setting a time frame that allows carrying out all the necessary steps. The author makes sure that the critical activities are paid sufficient attention and sufficient time is allocated as ‘slack’. Authors skill set also includes soft skills such as impulse to lead and attain objectives, anticipatory skills to adjust the goals according to the changing environment and empowerment skills. Successful plans make optimal use of skills, experience and specialist knowledge. References Belbin, R.M (1981) Management Teams –Why they succeed or fail, London, Butterworth-Heinemann Belbin, R.M (1993) Team roles at Work, Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann Drucker, P (1999) People and Performance: Managing Oneself ,Harvard Business School Press Books, p1, pg 148 Fisher et al., (1998) The distribution of Belbin team roles among UK managers, Personnel review, volume 29, 2, pg 1-14 Janice, W (2007) TRAINING Tomorrows WORKFORCE., Rosemary; Kerschenbaum, Steve. T+D, Vol. 61 Issue 4, p58-60, Hall, B (2007) Five Ways to Use Social Networking for Learning.,. Chief Learning Officer, Vol. 6 Issue 5, p17-17 Hosking, D. M., Bass, A. (2001). Constructing changes in relational processes:Introducing a social constructionist approach to change work. Career Development International, 6/7, 348-360. McGuire, R (2002) Decision Making, The Pharmaceutical Journal, Vol 269, pg 647-649 Moyer, D. (2007) The Stages of Learning,. Harvard Business Review, Vol. 85 Issue 5, p148-148 Mumford, A (2002) Horses for Courses, Learning Centre, Accessed from http://peoplemanagement.co.uk Date accessed 21/05/2007 Sullivan, A. K., Strang, H. R. (2002-2003). Bibliotherapy in the classroom: Using literature to promote the development of emotional intelligence. Childhood Education,79, 74-80.

Art In The 18th Century History Essay

Art In The 18th Century History Essay Both the Rococo and the Neoclassical Art period occurred at some stage in the 18th century in what is know known as the European age of Enlightenment. This time period is known for the establishment of the traditional Western notion of social progress. In political thought, philosophers such as John Locke and Thomas Hobbes developed key ideas of government based on an agreement between the rulers and the ruled. The belief that human beings who perform according to the fundamental principals of logic or reason in order to have an enjoyable life on earth was met by excitement among European intellectuals. Some of the most widely recognized prose from that time period- satire, non-fictional essay, and the modern novel- all addressed some aspects of human behavior in their social situation. Eighteenth-century art and music reflected the changing force of society and the tastes of its social classes. The fashionable Rococo style showcased the aristocratic fondness for daintiness, intimacy, and elegance in art. The materials used in art of this period are known for what is now generally considered overindulgent luxury, resiliency and typically required a high level of artistic technique. During the middle of the 18th century, some classes rebelled against the Rococo style who felt that the luxurious nature of that style of artwork glorified the aristocracy which was quickly falling out of fashion. Towards the declining end of the Rococo period and the beginning of the Neoclassic period, artists began creating art that promoted the moral virtue in the lives of the middle class over the extravagance and veneration of the upper class. At the time between the end of the Rococo period and the beginning of the Neoclassical period, a rejuvenated interest in archeology sparked in terest in ancient Greek and Roman art. Neoclassical art work supplanted Rococo in the same way that democracies were pushing out aristocracies. Rococo art depicted unrealistic subjects of aristocratic leisure devoted to idleness and recreation in a nature turned pleasure commons. The love garden theme was used frequently. Rococo art featured light, pastel colors brushed quickly and delicately so that reality was dematerialized into a fantasy world of floating veils of pink and blue. Young, beautiful, and richly dressed figures frolicked lovingly in deliberately insubstantial, perpetually cheerful settings. Rococo art is typified by rich, ostentation ornamentation often in the form of shells and scrolls. In architecture it is displayed most frequently in interior design and furniture. Rococo is typically pretty but superficial art. Origin Rococo art was initiated in the early 18th century. The term is a portmanteau of rocaille, the French word for shell or stone, and barocco, the Italian word for Baroque. Rococo art began in early 18th century France. It is sometimes referred to as French-style. While Rococo originated in France it became very popular in Germany. Characteristic Style and Social Conditions Rococo art is typified by elaborate foliage, plentiful curves, animal figures and fanciful design. Rococo art and architecture demonstrates many pastel colors and gilding. Historical Significance The historical significance of this period comes primarily from the end of the reign of Louis XV, the only French king to be executed. After the French revolution Rococo became persona non grata in favor of the new Neoclassic style. Rococo has become a derogatory term for old fashioned or senselessly frivolous. Major Works of Art from Period Major works of art include the Basilica at Ottorbeuren where architectural spaces flow and crowd with fanciful designs. The Basilica is considered a masterpiece. Thousands of tourists travel their every year to view this incredible work of art. Comparison to Neoclassical and Influence Rococo art is different from the preceding Baroque in that where Baroque is ornamental and heavy, Rococo is ornamental and light. During the political upheaval of the 18th century tastes turned away from the Rococo design and towards the more sagacious Neoclassical school. Neoclassical Art The Neoclassic period lasted approximately from the mid 18th to the end of the 19th century. Neoclassic roughly means renewed classic. The Neoclassical style permeated all types of art during the 18th century. Most people would associate the Neoclassic period with the Greek revival. Neoclassical artists used sensible ornamentation and composition to depict moral and sensible works of art. Neoclassical art is characterized by a strict adherence to the ideals of classical art, literature, and music. In music, eighteenth century classicism disregarded the excessive decorativeness typical of Baroque and instead focused on simplicity of form and .contrast. Characteristic Style and Social Conditions Neoclassical art was inspired by archaeological excavations of Greek artifacts during that period and the trend away from glorification of the aristocracy in the Rococo period. When revolutionary actions launched the new republics in America and France, the new democratic governments embraced Neoclassicism as the preeminent style for their representative art, due to its recognized connection with the democratic/republic societies of ancient Rome and Greece. Major Works of Art from Period A major work inspired by the Neoclassical movement that most Americans would recognize is the architecture of Capitol Building in Washington, DC. The capitol building along with many other buildings in Washington D.C. is in the same style as Greek temples. Another example of Neoclassical art is Psyche Revived by Cupidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Kiss by Antonio Canova. It shows the Neoclassical fixation on Greek symbols, as evidenced by the depiction of the god Cupid. It is a masterpiece that evokes feelings of sight and touch. Many viewers after looking at this statue feel that they could simply fly away. An interesting fact is that while ancient Greek and Roman statues were typically painted in bright and vibrant colors, the Neoclassical artists, who found most of the external paint on the archeological pieces chipped away after years of decay, felt that the austere white marble better dignified the classical style. As a result, most people today do not realize that the stark white works of art they see standing in museums is not at all what ancient Greeks and Romans saw. Historical Significance The historical significance of this style can be felt when a person visits almost any major city capitol. Not only has Greek architecture lasted centuries, but modern Neoclassical buildings, like the Capitol Building in Washington DC, will stand for centuries more. It has become so ingrained in our society as a whole that it is impossible to look at a Roman column and not think of all the exquisiteness and intangible loveliness of democratic society. Comparison to Rococo and Influence The Neoclassical style sprung up as a result with the working class dissatisfaction with the contemporary Rococo. Neoclassical and Rococo styles are a contrast to each other. Neoclassicism was a rejection of the embellishment of Rococo style. These two movements gave rise after Baroque, one of the most impressive periods in the history of art.

Comparison of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is a lot in common between the two plays Romeo And Juliet and West Side Story.  Ã‚   The main male characters have many things in common.   In fact, Toni and Romeo both miss the beginning fight at the beginning of the plays, they both fall in love and end up getting killed.   The difference between the two is that Toni takes place in the 1950s'', while Romeo happens in Elizabethan times (the late 1500s).   The two main female characters also have many things in common.   Juliet and Maria both come from families that hate each other's boyfriend's families.   Something that makes Juliet different from Maria is that Juliet dies and Maria lives.   In both of these plays the main male character kills a relative of their lover.   In Romeo And Juliet, Romeo kills Tybalta, Juliet's cousin.   In West Side Story, Toni kills Bernardo, Maria's brother. There was a person in both play's that tried to make peace.   These people were the Prince and the Lieutenant.   The Prince, from Romeo And Juliet, had told Romeo and Juliet's families that if there was another riot that the heads of each family will be killed.   The Lieutenant, from West Side Story, had told the Puerto Rican's and the American's that if they get into another fight they all will have to go to jail. The difference between the two peace-makers is that the Prince has more power than the Lieutenant.   In the story of   Romeo and Juliet, Paris wants to marry Juliet against her wishes.   Her father wants Paris   West Side Story to marry Juliet.   Juliet goes off and marries Romeo without telling anyone.   In Chino wants to marry Maria against her wishes, just like Paris in Romeo and   Juliet.   Maria and Toni do not get married, which is in contrast to Romeo and Juliet. Marcucio in Romeo and Juliet, is killed while battling Tybalta.      In West Side Story Riff is killed in a knife fight with Bernardo.   Both deaths are accidental and cause the hero's ( Romeo and Toni) to kill the close relative of their lovers (Tybalta and Bernardo).   Both stories conclude in the sad

The Gifted One :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It was a humid summer day in a small town in Florida called Panama City. Much like everyday there were kids running around shooting each other with water guns up and down the street, and kids frolicking in the various pools throughout the neighborhood but this day would change the life of a boy who lived there forever. This particular boy named Simon was very special, all his life he had been marked as someone very different and gifted. At a young age of 10 he had an IQ of over 170, which is extremely rare. So he was constantly being taken to various schools that were designed to facilitate this boy with studies that would challenge someone of such superior intellect. The story all begins when him and his father were at their poolside talking about a school that had offered him a full paid scholarship. Simon’s father wanted to have his son go to the best of everything even if it meant leaving his home where he had grown up at only 12 years of age. As most can imagine Simon was very reluctant about this idea he wanted to live at home near his friends and family. He did not want to go live in some far off place with people he didn’t even know. His father tried to reason with him he said, â€Å" 3 presidents have gone to this school and not even they had a full scholarship tossed into their lap.’ Simon replied, ‘ I will never leave home.’ His father filled with anger and frustration yelled back with harsh conviction, ‘ You will go to this school even if you don’t want to go because it is in your best interest.’ Simon became very upset and burst into tears he cried out once more that, ‘ I wi ll not leave my mother.’ His father once again rebutted saying. ‘ You will do as you are told.’ At that Simon with out even lifting his hand picked up his father smashed him against the concrete siding of the pool splitting his head and tossed him into the deep end of the pool. The blood oozing form his head turned the pool water into a deep crimson hue. Not aware that his mother was watching she ran outside and jumped into the blood-tainted water to try to save her husband, but it was to late.

The Primitive Nature of Man Revealed in Lord of the Flies :: Lord Flies Essays

The Primitive Nature of Man Revealed in Lord of the Flies      Ã‚  Ã‚   A running theme in Lord of the Flies is that man is savage at heart, always ultimately reverting back to an evil and primitive nature. The cycle of man's rise to power, or righteousness, and his inevitable fall from grace is an important point that book proves again and again, often comparing man with characters from the Bible to give a more vivid picture of his descent. Lord Of The Flies symbolizes this fall in different manners, ranging from the illustration of the mentality of actual primitive man to the reflections of a corrupt seaman in purgatory.    The novel is the story of a group of boys of different backgrounds who are marooned on an unknown island when their plane crashes. As the boys try to organize and formulate a plan to get rescued, they begin to separate and as a result of the dissension a band of savage tribal hunters is formed. Eventually the "stranded boys in Lord of the Flies almost entirely shake off civilized behavior: (Riley 1: 119). When the confusion finally leads to a manhunt [for Ralph], the reader realizes that despite the strong sense of British character and civility that has been instilled in the youth throughout their lives, the boys have backpedaled and shown the underlying savage side existent in all humans. "Golding senses that institutions and order imposed from without are temporary, but man's irrationality and urge for destruction are enduring" (Riley 1: 119).    The novel shows the reader how easy it is to revert back to the evil nature inherent in man. If a group of well-conditioned school boys can ultimately wind up committing various extreme travesties, one can imagine what adults, leaders of society, are capable of doing under the pressures of trying to maintain world relations. Lord of the Flies' apprehension of evil is such that it touches the nerve of contemporary horror as no English novel of its time has done; it takes us, through symbolism, into a world of active, proliferating evil which is seen, one feels, as the natural condition of man and which is bound to remind the reader of the vilest manifestations of Nazi regression (Riley 1: 120).    In the novel, Simon is a peaceful lad who tries to show the boys that there is no monster on the island except the fears that the boys have.

National Health Care Spending Essay

National health care spending in the United States is out of control. I will identify national health care expenditure, and my opinion on the spending â€Å"is it too much or not enough†. This paper will explain the about public health and the needs to paid for various payers with total percentages. With that we will discuss the economic challenges and how the government will address the matter. Is our country going to be able to change our medical crisis? What needs to be done? And can it be done? The current dollar level or national health care expenditures: In 2011 US health care spending reached 2.7 trillion dollars. Health care spending is still growing. The GDP (gross domestic product) remains stable at 17.9 percent from 2009 through 2011. The America health care has become a major legislative and policy issues. These increase in the cost of health care is causing major stress on Federal, State, and in household budget across the nation. My opinion on the spending level on health care,† is it too much or not enough†. I feel the spending in the US on health care is too much, because the over abuse by doctors, hospitals, etc†¦ do. I feel that doctors and hospital will exhaust the insurance companies. I feel today we lost the quality of care and the services at medical offices, even in the hospitals. Our health care spending is high and keeps growing. Due to the economy and more and more people are out of work. Those people are all applying for government benefits such as; Medicaid, TANF and extension of unemployment benefits. These are just a few crises or country going through. Poverty is increasing and a large number of people have no medical insurance. Now there are some States cutting health benefits to children who are very needy. Congress and the White House still are arguing about no time and no money, and it doesn’t have to be this way. We have to protect our fellow Americans and come to a compromise with our spending. What to cut, what to increase. Our country has to make some adjustments to help offset the increases of our spending, not just in health care, but in our defense  and home land security. I feel that our sacrifices should be shared, and it cannot involve scaling back programs for lower or middle class income families and individual. Our country has many needs, but we also have many resources and we have to use them wisely. Remember the U.S. is still the richest country in the world. Now it is time to work together to get through our crisis. How are the public’s health needs paid for. Hospital spending has increase 4.3 percent in 2011 compared to 2010 which was 4.3 percent growth. In 2011 the growth was slower, which was influenced by a slowdown in price growth and a low growth in hospital services. (â€Å"CMS†,2011) Physician and clinical services; these services increased 4.3 percent in 2011 which was an increase from 2010 with a growth of 3.1 percent. Spending by private health insurance and Medicare they are the two largest payers of clinical services and physicians in 2011. (â€Å"CMS†, 2011). Physical Therapy, Optometry, Podiatry, and Chiropractic medicine increase 4.9 percent in 2011, it is slightly faster from 2010 at 4.6 percent. (â€Å"CMS,2011) Dental services increased in 2011 with a 3.0 percent slightly higher than in 2010 with a growth of 2.7 percent. Out-of-pocket spending increased 4.1 percent in 2011, but in 2010 the growth percentage was 0, 7 percent. (â€Å"CMS†, 2011) Health Residential, and Personal Care Services; the growth for health, residential and personal care services are lower in 2011, it is 4.o percent, but in 2010 it was 4.5 percent. This includes expenditure for medical services, which are delivered by providers in non-traditional settings such as; schools, community centers, workplaces, ambulance provider, and residential mental health and substance abuse facilities. (â€Å"CMS†, 2011). Home health care; home health care agencies were slow in 2011 with a growth of 4.5 percent. In 2010 had a growth of 5.8 percent, Medicaid and Medicare spending was 80 percent in home health care. (â€Å"CMS†,2011) Nursing Care Facilities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities; spending in this category increased in 2011 to 4.4 percent from the growth was due from Medicare spending for skilled nursing faci lities, which increase 16.5percent in 2011. (â€Å"CMS†,2011) What is the major future economic and major â€Å"challenge† for the health care system? Everyone has the own problems with The U.S. health care system. One of their concerns is how many people go without health care,  because of no choice in the matter.. Second will be costs, this is a big concern. Cost keeps going up, cost are shooting up faster than anything else in this economy. There are major challenges that our nation has to face. Is U.S. health care gives to little or too much care. The uninsured get little care, they skip doctors visit, and depend on the hospital ER for medical care. This process causes a burden on the ER, because people that need to use the ER for real emergencies don’t get to be seem right away or they have to wait for a bed. Over treatment is a challenge also, doctors and hospital get paid more for doing more even if the treatment is necessary or not. We all experience or heard discussion about doctors and hospital run all kinds of tests and no one will explain what’s going on, this is because the hospital wants to exhaust you r insurance. Medicare is at fault, they paid health care providers on a â€Å"fee-for-service†. Which accounts how fairly their patients are? Other medical providers are equally important; they take the time to understand their patients and their symptoms. Most health care professional want the best for their patients, and no one means to over treat. As a doctor we are susceptible to a economic incentives. Insuring healthy people and not sick people, health plans make more money. Members of a health plan that are young and healthy are going to make more money, than the chronically ill. They can rake in premiums and don’t have to pay a lot of costly medical care. Insures in this country has an incentive to insure healthy people and deny the sick. Just a few do aggressively. Keeping cost down insurers has a few tricks they use, such as; denying coverage for pre-existing condition, increasing up expensive premiums. Hamilton (2008) Do you know what medical treatments work the best? Studies that suggest† 15 percent of what doctors do is actually evidence based, but they rely on personal experiences, or their colleagues or what they picked up from misleading medical literature, and drug representatives that are at their clinics.† (Hamilton,2008) The Federal Government is the only one that can fill the informational vacuum, because it is necessary to establish a base of medical evidence are expensive. The FDA is already overwhelmed with ensuring new drugs, and safe and effective devices. The last challenge is people demand more care than they want to pay for. People who are insured insist on expensive but marginal test and treatments, because they don’t have to pay for it. They feel because they pay high premiums they have the  best and they should not be denied any type of treatment. â€Å"Direct-to-consumer† has exploded patient’s demands prescriptions for new expensive drugs, even if there is no difference between old and new. Everyone has a part in these challenges that we face as a nation, doctors and hospitals are just two. However the scale of problems has called for a national medical reform. The health care system and other industrialized nations, which the government will take responsibility for funding. I don’t know what will be the right solution, but I have more knowledge on our National Health Care spending in America. We need to find a way to improve the quality of health care, while driving down the prices of insurance, medical procedures, treatment and prescriptions. We also need to resolve the issues with the uninsured in this country. References Hamilton, D. (2008, April). Five Major Challenges for a $2 Trillion Industry. CBS News. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-3364005/fivemajorchallenges-for-a-2trillion-industry CMS.(2011). Retrieved from http://www.cms.gov/research-statistic-data-and-system â€Å"

Race Discrimination in the Workforce Essay

When returning back to Wanzek’s after layoff I had noticed in my paycheck I had lost $2 an hour in pay when I had received a $2 raise and a gift certificate before layoff. I did report the loss of wage to Tina Harrison in Human Resources and she would e-mail Phyllis at Headquarters. Anthony Butler has called numerous times and no response. On November 6, 2012 a text was also sent to Phyllis by Anthony Butler in regards to his loss of pay. Phyllis also has not responded. II. At the Trenton job site on or about October 10, 2012 Anthony Butler (herein Butler) went to the Safety Manager â€Å"Larry† to get a pair of gloves prior to work that morning. Butler was informed by Larry, â€Å"That he was not supplying him gloves every week because it was not his job†. At that time Butler informed Larry that his hands are too big for the gloves and his were tore. On or about October 16, 2012 Butler again went to Larry for work gloves because the two pairs he had that day were wet and his hands were freezing. Larry stated, â€Å"He was not giving them to me and that I needed to take them home and dry them†. Butler informed Larry it was raining out and he needed gloves. Employees from Butler’s crew went to Larry for gloves and received them with no hassles. Butler never did receive any gloves and yet had to continue to perform his job. On October 24, 2012 Butler again went to Larry to get insolated gloves to go inside his work gloves because his were torn and at that time Larry refused to give Butler the insulated gloves and instead gave him water gloves and it was not even raining. At that point Butler went to Ralph Hunt (herein Hunt) his foreman and explained to him what Larry gave him instead of the proper work equipment needed to perform his job duties. Hunt took Butler to the Safety Office and confronted Larry to why his best helper meaning Butler could not have a pair of insulated gloves. Larry said, â€Å"what happened to the gloves I fricken gave you last week†? Hunt at that point told Larry the gloves did not cost more than twenty (20) cents per pair and at that point Butler received a pair of gloves. After these violations Butler was transferred to another jobsite. Basin Job Site III. On or about November 7, 2012 Butler came back from lunch to work in the Fabrication Area when an employee nick named Bommer asked Butler if he was working him to hard. Butler replied â€Å"no, it’s a slow day†. Bommer replied, â€Å"I will work the hell out of you Nigger†. After Bommer called Butler a â€Å"Nigger† he then replied, â€Å"That’s just a joke†. IV. On or about November 14, 2012 while working with Civil, Butler was shoveling dirt and sand and moving warming blankets with another employee. The employee left and Butler was moving the warming blankets by himself when he asked Brandon who is the foreman of Civil, why are his workers standing by the break room watching him work. Brandon did not reply. That went on the entire day the others employees did not work they just watched Butler work. V. On or about November 19, 2012 Butler was working with Bommer ad another employee nick named Zeek. Bommer had dumped a load of dirt in the wrong spot which he had been doing all day. Zeek replied, â€Å"You did it again Bommer†. Zeek looked at Butler and said, â€Å"Get a shovel†. Butler replied to Zeek that he already had the rake and that is what he has been using all day to spread the dirt†. Zeek said, â€Å"What are you just going to stand there and watch me dig†? Bommer was just standing there when Butler said, â€Å"don’t be mad at me because he dumped a load in the wrong area and that you need to make him help also†. That’s when Mark Corbell the supervisor over piping stated, â€Å"You need to back the fuck up†! At that point I walked away to clear my head and then started back working. VI. On November 19, 2012 Butler came into the man camp and turned ESPN on to watch the football game. Wade an employee and also roommate walked into the house mumbling under his breath about Butler having the TV on football. Butler spoke, â€Å"hello Wade† and Wade ignored him. At that point Wade told Kyle Olson (herein Olson) another employee and roommate, â€Å"Let’s go to the bar†. They left the house and came back approximately 1 am drunk, slamming doors, talking loud and making it obvious that they’re intention was to wake me up so I would come out of my room and start a confrontation. This went on for almost 45 minutes. I stayed in my room and couldn’t go back to sleep the rest of the night. In the morning Wade slammed the door so hard Butler thought it broke the window because Butler had made previous complaints about Wade slamming the doors every morning to Wade and Olson. Several of other incidents not mentioned at the present time will eventually be brought to light by Butler after the EEOC investigation has been completed. RULE I. As cited in the Employee Safety Handbook given to employees of Wanzek’s states verbatim on pg. ii; Equal Opportunity States: The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, veterans and the disabled to apply. We recruit, hire and promote all job classifications based solely upon the personal qualifications of the individual. All employees are treated equally with respect to compensation and opportunities for advancement. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) This law makes it illegal to pay different wages to men and women if they perform equal work in the same workplace. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. II. As cited in the Employee Safety Handbook given to employees of Wanzek’s states verbatim on pg. 24; Corporate Policy States: Gloves are required for all work performed in the field. Each employee must be able to select the right kind of glove for the task. III. Race discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because he/she is of a certain race or because of personal characteristics associated with race (such as hair texture, skin color, or certain facial features). Color discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because of skin color complexion. Race/color discrimination also can involve treating someone unfavorably because the person is married to (or associated with) a person of a certain race or color or because of a person’s connection with a race-based organization or group, or an organization or group that is generally associated with people of a certain color. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 This law makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The law also requires that employers reasonably accommodate applicants’ and employees’ sincerely held religious practices, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer’s business. Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 This law makes it illegal to discriminate against a qualified person with a disability in the federal government. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The law also requires that employers reasonably accommodate the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer’s business. Title VII’s protections include: * Recruiting, Hiring, and Advancement Job requirements must be uniformly and consistently applied to persons of all races and colors. Even if a job requirement is applied consistently, if it is not important for job performance or business needs, the requirement may be found unlawful if it excludes persons of a certain racial group or color significantly more than others. Examples of potentially unlawful practices include: (1) soliciting applications only from sources in which all or most potential workers are of the same race or color; (2) requiring applicants to have a certain educational background that is not important for job performance or business needs; (3) testing applicants for knowledge, skills or abilities that are not important for job performance or business needs. Employers may legitimately need information about their employees or applicants race for affirmative action purposes and/or to track applicant flow. One way to obtain racial information and simultaneously guard against discriminatory selection is for employers to use separate forms or otherwise keep the information about an applicant’s race separate from the application. In that way, the employer can capture the information it needs but ensure that it is not used in the selection decision. Unless the information is for such a legitimate purpose, pre-employment questions about race can suggest that race will be used as a basis for making selection decisions. If the information is used in the selection decision and members of particular racial groups are excluded from employment, the inquiries can constitute evidence of discrimination. * Compensation and Other Employment Terms, Conditions, and Privileges Title VII prohibits discrimination in compensation and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Thus, race or color discrimination may not be the basis for differences in pay or benefits, work assignments, performance evaluations, training, discipline or discharge, or any other area of employment. * Harassment Harassment on the basis of race and/or color violates Title VII. Ethnic slurs, racial â€Å"jokes,† offensive or derogatory comments, or other verbal or physical conduct based on an individual’s race/color constitutes unlawful harassment if the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment, or interferes with the individual’s work performance. * Retaliation Employees have a right to be free from retaliation for their opposition to discrimination or their participation in an EEOC proceeding by filing a charge, testifying, assisting, or otherwise participating in an agency proceeding. * Segregation and Classification of Employees Title VII is violated where minority employees are segregated by physically isolating them from other employees or from customer contact. Title VII also prohibits assigning primarily minorities to predominantly minority establishments or geographic areas. It is also illegal to exclude minorities from certain positions or to group or categorize employees or jobs so that certain jobs are generally held by minorities. II. Thru VI * A hostile work environment is an environment in which an employee, due to actions by co-workers or the employer, does not feel comfortable performing duties. In extremely hostile work environments, the employee may not feel comfortable even coming into the work facility. Inappropriate Comments or Actions * A work environment may be considered hostile when co-workers or an employer makes lewd jokes or touches inappropriately (sexual harassment), or when co-workers or an employer makes unwanted comments about an employee’s age, gender, race or physical or mental competence. Even if the majority of the co-workers have no problem with the actions or comments, a work environment can be considered hostile if the actions or comments clearly make an employee uncomfortable in the workplace. Conclusion Butler has filed a complaint with the EEOC in regards to the above violations and is also informing his employer Wanzek Construction Inc. of the mentioned violations above. Butler is afraid to come to work due to the hostile environment in his house by both roommates employed by Wanzek. Kyle Olson is very raciest and has had racial dealings outside of the workplace in the past with Butler’s fiancà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s children’s father whom is also African American. Butler has been violated by not only crew members but also supervisors and higher ups. Butler feels he has finally been verbally and physically harassed to the point that a hostile environment has created by the employees of Wanzek Construction Inc. and their Contractors. Issues have been brought to some higher ups including staying in the house that has been selected to him. His wages were addressed to the proper authorities and again nothing has been done. At this time Butler is seeking the EEOC to address these violations and a complaint has been filed via telephone on November 26, 2012. Butler hopes that this complaint does not bring forth retaliation and more harassment for he cannot take anymore. Butler has kept his mouth shut through all the violations he has been victim to and he wants this discrimination to stop and wants to be treated fairly as all other employees. Other violations not mentioned are in regards to improper discipline given to other employees when creating an unsafe work place. Butler is not even able to buy food to refrigerate his food because the two employees have over taken the fridge and freezer to where Butler could never get food in the fridge. The training Butler should have had the opportunity to receive along with the other employees including operating testing of equipment that Butler operates. Wanzek a Mas Tec Company at P.O. Box 2019 Fargo, North Dakota 58107-2019 and also to MasTec Corporate Headquarters at 800 S. Douglas Road Coral Gables, Florida 33134

Identity: Romeo and Juliet and External Forces Essay

The Impact of External and Internal Forces on One’s Identity What is identity? If you look in the dictionary, it will tell you that identity is what defines someone or something. But there is more to the meaning behind identity than what is said in the dictionary. Identity is complex and changes over time in response to two main factors. One factor that can mold one’s identity is the forces inside of you, internal forces. An example of an internal force is love. Our love and affection for someone or something can lead us to do things differently than a person who doesn’t have the same degree of love towards that person or object. The other factors that can play a role in affecting our identity are external factors. External forces refer to the forces that are in our environment. An example of an external force that can affect one’s identity is a person. If a person matters to you a whole lot and you are trying to prevent something bad from happening to him or her, wouldn’t you stop at nothing to prevent it from happening? This urge to prevent something bad from happening to the person you care about would probably have an impression on your actions and overall identity. To synthesize, identity changes in response to both internal and external forces, meaning that one force does not outweigh the other. Both internal and external forces work together to form a person’s identity as they mature; therefore, identity is shaped by both external and internal forces. Research proves that identity can be affected by external forces. In C. Seefeldt’s article â€Å"Factors Affecting Social Development†, he confirms that identity is shaped by external forces, more specifically, where we are raised, family, and school affect our development. In the article, Seefeldt states that â€Å"those exposed to domestic abuse, gang violence†¦do not feel safe or secure.† And that â€Å"their insecurity will interfere with their total development,† meaning that children are more likely to feel less secure and unsafe if they grow up in or around unsafe communities and bad influences (Seefeldt). Imagine yourself as a small child. Wouldn’t it be scary to grow up around drug addicts, thugs, and gangs? Wouldn’t you be scared of the constant danger lurking around every corner? Just wearing the wrong colors can end your life. Or maybe even things that you can’t control like your ethnicity can end you up in a coffin. If you grew up around all these horrifying situations, wouldn’t these things make you feel unsafe and less secure? Overall, the writer telling us that growing up as a child in an unsafe community can mess with their total development shows that identity can be formed by external for ces. But not only does the writer show us that growing up around negative forces shape ones identity, he also tells us that parents play a role in a child’s overall development. As the article goes on, the writer states that â€Å"parents who are social themselves serve as models for their children. Children may be able to use the image of their parents interacting with others in their own attempts to make friends with other children,† showing that parents’ interactions with their own peers, can reflect on their child’s social skills too. Have you ever heard the saying â€Å"like father, like son† or â€Å"like mother like daughter†? People usually say this because they see something in the child that resembles the parent. This usually happens because the children follow patterns of behavior from their parents. The child can maybe copy how his parent talks or can even copy simple things like how his parent walks. But did you know the way a parent socializes can reflect on the child’s social development? The article tells us that children can use the image of their parents socializing in their own attempts in making friends and being social themselves, and that parents who are more secure and competent offer children a model of security to build their own social skills. Ultimately, Seefeldt stating that parents can affect a child’s development confirms that identity can be shaped by external forces once again. Around at the end of the article, Seefeldt also states that â€Å"In addition to a child’s family, the teacher becomes an agent of socialization† presenting the idea that teachers can also have an imprint on a child’s identity. Have you ever had a teacher that has affected your life? As the human beings, we all have teachers in our lives. Whether it be inside the classroom or out. They can teach us anything from math to valuable life lessons. And according to the article, they can also set new or different standards for social behaviors meaning that without our teachers, we probably wouldn’t know right from wrong. All in all, our environment, parents, and teachers, all external forces, can shape us in a negative or a positive way. In Aida Bortnik’s short story â€Å"Celeste’s Heart†, Celeste is shaped by external forces in a positive way, because her little brother causes her to go from a voiceless girl to a strong-willed lady. As Celeste was putting her little brother to sleep, after yet another punishment from her teacher at school, her brother, as usual, asks her when he was going to start to go to school, â€Å"But that evening she didn’t laugh and she didn’t think up an answer.† Celeste being speechless in this situation shows just how scared she is for her brother’s future (Bortnik 65). Celeste’s brother’s question makes her think of him suffering the same kind of punishment as she does. Even though Celeste’s brother isn’t going to go to her school for a long time, she worries for his future. Celeste is the only girl in her class that doesn’t complain when the teacher punishes the class, but as soon as she starts thinking about her brother enduring the same kind of mistreatment as she does, she realizes what she has to do. So the next time her teacher punished the class, she rebuked against the rough treatment for her brother’s sake. Imagine yourself in Celeste’s shoes. Imagine your little sibling having to put your hands up simultaneously for a long period of time. Wouldn’t you be worried and scared for your sibling’s future? Wouldn’t you do anything so that your sibling wouldn’t go through the same punishment as you? This is exactly what Celeste is doing. Ultimately, Celeste rebelling against her teacher and risking further punishment just so that her brother won’t endure the same punishment as her confirms that Celeste’s love, an external force, affects her in a positive way. In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is shaped in a positive way by external forces as well because the encounters that she and Romeo have because they cause her to go from a naà ¯ve, obedient girl to a mature, self-assured woman. In the opening act of the play, Lady Capulet asks Juliet if she can accept Paris’ love. Juliet responds that she’ll try to â€Å"like if looking liking move,† but she won’t fall for him more than her mother’s â€Å"consent gives strength to make it fly,† showing us that she is still too immature to make her own decisions and immature overall (1.3.99-101). She also shows us that she is childish in the way she thinks when she says that marriage â€Å"is an honor† that she doesn’t think about (1.3.66). But after encountering Romeo, we see her adopt a more adult persona. For example, during the balcony scene, Juliet says that the love they have for each other is â€Å"too like li ghtning† and that it is a â€Å"bud of love† still under â€Å"summer’s ripening breath† and the next time they meet, the flower will be beautiful, showing us that Juliet is mature enough to recognize that she is going too fast and recommends that the both of them take things slower. Not only that, but when Romeo asks Juliet to marry him, she asks â€Å"where and what time† they’ll get married and adds that she’ll follow him â€Å"throughout the world† wherever he goes. Juliet deciding to marry Romeo and going with him wherever he goes shows us that she is now mature enough to make her own decisions (2.2.146-148). And finally, we see Juliet’s encounters with Romeo change her even more towards the end of the play. She complains that she has â€Å"bought the mansion of love but not yet possessed it† and even though she is â€Å"sold,† she is not yet enjoyed, meaning that Juliet wants to move in with Romeo and have sex with him already (3.2.26-27). All these events happen right after Romeo and Juliet’s first encounter at the Capulet party. And after that, we see start seeing Juliet change, more and more after or during every meeting with Romeo. From something little like having the ability to make her own decisions, to something big like changing her mind about marriage. It is a well-known fact that the different people we encounter in our lives can change our identities drastically or subtlely. For Juliet, this person is Romeo. As the play progresses, we see how Romeo changes her identity both drastically and subtlely. The way she acts and the way she thinks change all because of the moments she has with Romeo. Overall, Juliet changing from an obedient and naà ¯ve girl to a capable, mature and self-assured woman because of the encounters she has with Romeo proves that she is shaped by external forces in a positive way. In K.L. Going’s novel Saint Iggy, we can see that Iggy is shaped by external factors in a neut ral way because the lack of presence and proper parenting of his parents causes him to look for other people’s help other than his parents during a hard time. When Iggy comes home from getting kicked out of school he wants â€Å"to tell [his] parents all about it,† but he can’t because his mom went visiting someone and â€Å"probably isn’t coming back,† and his dad is â€Å"stoned off his a**†. Here we see that Iggy wants to tell his parents about what happened at school, but he can’t because his mom isn’t home and his dad is busy doing drugs (Going 1). So instead of seeking help from his parents, he decides to â€Å"get away† from his dad and go to his friend Mo’s place because he wants to seek his help and also because that’s the only place he â€Å"can think of† (15-18). Iggy not wanting to be around his dad during this hard time shows us that the lack of proper parenting from his dad causes Iggy to not want anything to do with his dad and decides to face the situation without him. Iggy also shows just how much he doesn’t want any of his parents help by seeking help from his friend. As we grow up our parents are usually the ones that get us through hard times no matter what they’re going through in their own lives. And we usually accept their much needed help and attention because we probably can’t go through it on our own or with anyone else. But for Iggy, his parents haven’t been there for him during the hard times in his life since he was a little kid. Iggy probably lost trust in the fact that his parents are going to be there for him during this hardship. So instead of going to his parents like any other kid with good parents would do, he goes to his friend. Ultimately, Iggy going to his friend for help instead of his parents shows us that the lack of presence and proper guidance from his parents, an external force, causes him to seek other people’s help. In Edgar Allan Poe’s short story The Tell-Tale Heart, the narrator’s identity is shaped by the eye because he is coaxed by the eye to kill the man, showing that external forces can affect one’s identity negatively as well. As the narrator was whining about the eye of the old man, he says â€Å"whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold†¦I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever.† The narrator telling us his horrid thoughts conveys just how irritated and sick of the dreaded â€Å"vulture eye† (Poe 1). He feels so sick that he plots to kill the old man, not for who he is, but simply for his so called dreaded eye. You can also infer just by how the narrator talks about the eye that it drives him to the point where he cannot hold the hysteria inside. Like when the narrator finally saw the old man’s eye after many nights of spying on him just to see his terrible eye and to murder him, he describes the eye as a â€Å"dull blue, with a hideous veil over it that chilled the very marrow in [his] bones†(4). It is a known fact that a person can dislike a person for an action or a trait; however, they keep their feelings inside and go on with their lives because they have control over themselves. But the narrator just can’t do the simple act of keeping his feelings inside and going on with life, instead, he murders the old man just to stop having to look at the dreaded eye. This shows that the old man’s eye, an external force, influences the narrator to feel sick to his stomach, and ultimately end the old man’s life forever. Not only can external forces have an impact on your identity, but internal forces can mold one’s identity as well. In the article â€Å"Adolescent Identity Development†, the author confirms that internal forces can shape our identity as well. As the writer talks about the different dimensions of identity, he tells us that â€Å"our self-identity shapes our perceptions of belonging,† meaning that the way we see ourselves usually determine how we respond to different factors in our environment and how we react to them. In our lives, there can be many factors inside of us that can shape our identity, whether it be love, the drive to see someone, jealousy, or a thirst for power (â€Å"Adolescent Identity Development†). What the article is saying is that these forces can shape how we see and respond to society. For example, if you are a weak little boy growing up around gangs, you might see the power of gangs engaging and choose to indulge in illegal activities purely for your thirst for power. Or if you’re head over heels in love with someone, your love may shape your actions and choices. Maybe even your willingness to see someone can cause you to do something you wouldn’t normally do. All in all, these forces can either lead you to do something good, bad, or both. In O. Henry’s short story â€Å"The Gift of the Magi†, the main character Della is shaped by internal forces and shows us that internal forces can affect a person positively because her passion for Jim causes her to sacrifice one of her most valuable possessions, her hair, just so she can get him a good Christmas present. But not only does she sacrifice her hair for him, but also the opportunity to use the money she got from selling her hair to pay off her expenses. We can tell that not a lot of money came to Della and that she had many expenses to pay off because as the narrator was describing her life, he says â€Å"twenty dollars a week doesn’t go far. Expenses had been greater then she calculated†¦ they always are† (Henry 2). And we can also tell that Della’s hair was worth a lot to her because the narrator tells us that there were two possessions of Della’s family that were valuable, â€Å"one was Jim’s watch†¦the other was Della’s hair† (3). We can see that Della loves Jim very much because she would much rather buy Jim a present than pay off her expenses or keep her hair. As human beings, it is normal for us to feel affection or fall in love with something, whether that something is a person, TV show, or a hobby. And we all have made sacrifices for things we love (flirting, doing homework, free time). But the love we have for that person, object, or hobby determines how big of a sacrifice we would make. For Della, her love for Jim causes her to sacrifice one of the only valuable things she owns, her hair. Her love for Jim makes her feel morally obligated to give him a present, or otherwise feel guilty. We can infer that Della probably didn’t want to cut her hair, but then again, if she didn’t come up with enough money to get Jim a decent present, she would feel guilty. Della’s love for Jim also causes her to not use the money for her hair on something else, her expenses. Ultimately, Della choosing to cut her hair and spend the money for a present for her dear Jim shows that she is shaped by her incredible love for Jim in a positive way, an internal force. In Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Christopher is shaped by internal forces in a positive way as well because his drive to see and live with his mother gets him to do things we wouldn’t expect from a person with autism. When his mother was explaining the time when Chris and her were a buying a Christmas gift, she says that Chris broke down because he was frightened â€Å"of all of the people in the shop.† Chris breaking down because of the amount of people in a certain place shows us that he did not like lots if strangers around him (Haddon 106). But later in his life, Chris goes on a train all by himself to London, just so he can finally see his mother. Chris also tells us that he doesn’t like â€Å"new places† because he â⠂¬Å"sees everything (140). Chris not liking new places shows us that he is scared of the outside world,† But once we start to doubt Chris’ ability to go out into the world, he surprises us and proves us wrong. He goes on a whole adventure to places he does not know, just in the name to see his mother. It is a known fact that sacrifices are a part of our lives. We make them for our own desires and our loved ones. Our sacrifices can be big or small depending on what we intend to accomplish. For Chris we see him make a big sacrifice by doing something he horribly hates, going to a new place with lots of people (subway). We see that Christopher’s drive to see his mom causes him to do things he would never do under normal circumstances. We can infer that Chris probably hated being on the train but his willingness to reunite with his mother caused him to tough it out and stay inside. We can only imagine how grueling this experience for Christopher was. Just imagine not liking the feeling of being surrounded by people you don’t know and being in the same situation as Chris. Would you have stayed in that area? Chances are, if you didn’t have a reason to be there and go through that agony like Chris, you wouldn’t stick around at all. Overall, Christopher is shaped by internal forces in a positive way because his drive to see his mother causes him to sacrifice staying home and being secluded from the world like how he usually likes and going out into the world.. In Frank Stockton’s short story The Lady or the Tiger, the princess shows us that internal forces can affect a person’s identity either positively or negatively, because the portion of barbarism inside of her and her love for the youth lead her to do things she doesn’t want to, see things that aren’t really happening, and can ultimately lead to the death or happiness of the youth. When the day of the youth’s trial arrived, the princess attended it. But â€Å"had it not been for the moiety of barbarism in her nature it is probably that the lady would not have been there†¦Ã¢â‚¬ .The princess attending the trial even though she doesn’t want to shows that the princess herself does not want to attend the youth’s trial, but she goes to it anyway to satisfy her barbaric desires. Have you ever done something that one side of you disagrees about doing it, but the other side totally agrees with your decision? This is what exactly is happe ning to the princess. One half of her doesn’t want to attend the trial, but the barbaric side of her coaxes her to do it anyways, ultimately showing that the barbarism the princess inside of her controls her choices and well-being. But the princess’ identity is not only shaped by her barbarism, but also by the love and affection she has for the youth. As the narrator was talking about a lady that the princess despises, he says that the princess had often seen â€Å"or imagined that she had seen, this fair creature throwing glances of admiration upon the person of her lover, and sometimes she thought these glances were perceived, and even returned,† showing that the princess’ love for the youth is clouding her mind from the truth and reality (8). The princess starts assuming that her love is being charmed by the lady and that she might lose the youth to her. These assumptions make the princess very jealous and envy of the lady. Not only do the princess’ barbaric desires and love for the youth trick her mind, but could very well end the youth’s life, or simply salvage it. All in all, the princess exhibiting that internal forces can shape one’s identity in either a positive or negative proves that internal forces can make an impression on a person’s identity positively or negatively. In his memoir Always Running, Luis Rodriguez shows us that internal forces can affect a person’s identity in a totally negative way because his thirst for power causes him to go from a helpless little boy to a power thirsty hooligan. When Luis was in school one day, â€Å"Thee Mystics†, a powerful and influential gang, raided his school. As the ruckus slowly came dangerously towards Luis’ way, he was riveted, riveted by the power Thee Mystics possessed. When â€Å"Thee Mystics† finished their raid, Luis says that he â€Å"wanted this power† and â€Å"wanted to be able to bring a whole school to its knees and even make the teachers squirm†. He also states that â€Å"They had left their mark on the school- and on me† (Rodriguez 42). After Luis sees how Thee Mystics easily took control of his school, he wanted one thing they had, power. He wanted to finally be able to overcome the weal and fearful reputation he was labeled as, and finally obtain what he wanted when he wanted it. Not only can you see the imprint this day made on Luis throughout the book (starts getting into trouble, begins to hang out with the wrong people, and eventually gets kicked out of school), but he confesses it as well. Power is what everyone secretly craves in their lives. Especially for an immigrant like Luis who was always pushed aside and left out simply he wasn’t an American citizen. So when Luis saw Thee Mystics’ power, he saw gangs as a quencher for his thirst of power. Luis just wanted a break from being taken advantage of by Rano, by teachers, by the cruel prejudiced society he lived in. Ultimately, Luis wanting power at an early age after he witnessed how easily Thee Mystics brought his school to its knees proves that he is influenced by his desire of power, an internal force, in a negative way. Both internal and exter nal forces can shape a person’s identity and how they turn out to be. I can use my own life as evidence for this because you can definitely see the imprint of both forces on my identity. My desire to be the best is one of the biggest internal forces that shape me because it causes me to go to try my hardest in everything I do. Myself in school would be a good example of me pushing myself to be the best. Whenever I get assigned to do something, I try my hardest to produce the best piece of work I can. Whether it is an essay or a simple worksheet, I will try my hardest to make it perfect. I also try to make my grades the highest they can. If I have an A I will try my hardest to make it a higher A. My desire for perfection can also be seen in everything I do outside of school. Like if my parents make me vacuum the house I will literally spend hours to make the house the cleanest it can possibly be. When I do something I try to do it at the best possible degree I can. This obsessiveness for perfection usually leads me to do things other people wouldnâ€⠄¢t do. Things like staying up until 1 am to write one paragraph and trying my hardest on improving an â€Å"A† grade. Overall, my desire for perfection and to be the best reflects on my identity, but not only do internal forces affect my identity, but external forces act on my identity as well, more specifically, my parents because they make me want to keep on striving for success when things get hard. This encouragement from my parents causes me to not only get through hard times, but it also causes me to get good grades. In fact, without them, I don’t believe I would be where I am in terms of school because they are my inspiration in doing well in school. Ultimately, both internal and external forces shape who I am because my desire to be the best in everything I do and my parents causes me to be the person I am today. In conclusion, identity changes overtime in response to both external and internal forces, meaning that people can choose what their identity is shaped by to a certain extent, but there are still things in our environment that can affect our identity too. Studies show that external forces can shape identity because people, objects, and other things in our environment all have the power to mold us either negatively or positively as we mature. Not only does research show us that one’s identity can be shaped by external forces, but characters from stories also prove the same. Characters like Celeste from â€Å"Celeste’s Heart†, Juliet from Romeo and Juliet, Iggy from Saint Iggy, and the narrator from â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart† show us that identity can be molded by external forces, but not only can identity be shaped by external forces, identity can also be shaped by internal forces. Research also shows us that Identity can be shaped by forces inside of us like our love, hatred, etc. Like external forces, internal forces can shape ones identity in a positive way, or negative way. Della from â€Å"The Gift of the Magi†, Chris from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the princess from â€Å"The Lady or the Tiger†, and Luis from Always Running are all excellent examples of internal forces affecting a person’s identity. My life can be used to exhibit the effect of both internal and external forces on a person’s life. To sum it up, external and internal forces can shape a person’s identity negatively or positively. Works Cited â€Å"Adolescent Identity Development.† ACTforyouth.net. ACT for Youth Center of Excellence, 2013. Web. 15 Jan. 2013. Poe, Edgar A. â€Å"The Tell-Tale Heart.† Complete Stories of Edgar Allan Poe. New York: Bantum Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, 1984. 1-7. Print. Bortnik, Aida. â€Å"Celeste’s Heart.† Sudden Fiction Latino: Short-Stories from the United States and Latin America. Ed. Robert Shapard, James Thomas, and Ray Gonzalez. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2010. 64-66. Print. Going, K. L. Saint Iggy. Orlando: Harcourt, 2008. Print. Haddon, Mark. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. New York: Random House, 2004. Print. Henry, O. â€Å"The Gift of the Magi.† Gutenberg.com. Project Gutenberg, n.d. Web. 2 Aug. 2012. Rodriguez, Luis. Always Running. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2005. Print. Seefeldt, C. â€Å"Factors Affecting Social Development.† Education.com. Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall, 2011. Web. 10 Jan. 2013. Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. New York: Spark Publishing, 2003. Print. Stockton, Frank. â€Å"The Lady or the Tiger?† The Norton Anthology of Short Stories. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 1998. 1-13. Print.