Comparing Spoken and Written Communication

Comparing spoken and written communication Spoken language and web based communication are different from each other: they both have different features and aspects. Spoken language takes place in person, is transitory and relies on sounds. Whereas web based communication takes place online where speakers can be many miles apart during a conversation. So the features in web based communication are not present in spoken communication. A common factor which is required for a spoken conversation is turn-taking.This is when another speaker(s) allow the active speaker to finish conveying their point without interrupting. An example in my transcript is ‘Or do you want to check? ’ which is a complete utterance then the reply is ‘We’ll both check’. After person H has finished speaking only then does person F reply, this makes sure that the person speaking has the chance to say what they want to. Turn-taking allows a long and meaningful conversation to take pla ce. If a speaker is interrupted, the other speaker will not be able to produce a sufficient response, causing the conversation to eventually end.Many spoken conversation conversations contain spontaneity; face to face conversations have to be quick and spontaneous. Speakers need to think of what they are going to say almost immediately. Rapid responses can avoid awkward and unwanted pauses. Sometimes the time given for a response is often too short, so to give the speaker some time to think about what to say next, fillers are used. An example is ‘Erm, I don’t know’. Fillers are commonly used at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle when the speaker is unsure of what to say (next).Without fillers the previous speaker may think they are still required to speak. We based communication can be considered as a mixture of written and spoken language as it has the spontaneous feature of spoken language but written as it gives the reader some margin in the time for their response. Some features such as fillers and non-fluency pauses are not displayed in web based language. Also as it is not done face to face, responders use other means of showing emotion, emphasis and in some circumstances, context.This leads to my first difference between web based and spoken language. As web based communication is made mostly of numbers, words and symbols. The actual meaning in spoken language is normally shown by the speakers tone, facial expression and gestures – which can be distorted, making it hard to display the literal meaning of text (pragmatics). So to get around this situation, online communications often use numbers, symbols and emoticons as representations of facial expressions.For example person F says ‘Yh, it woz sooo easy :)’ the emoticon was made using a colon and a closing bracket, indicating the casual and acknowledging manner as it would have been spoken as it a face to face conversation between person F and H. Feature s like these are not present in spoken language because they are already indicated by paralinguistic features. For example hand/body gestures and facial language of the speaker(s) which allow the pragmatic meaning and context to be understood properly.Another difference between spoken and web based communication is the way particular words and phrases are accentuated with the purpose to change the anticipated meaning. In spoken language this is done through the elongation of words such as ‘Hiiii’, or through altering the intonation of the voice, these are examples of prosodic features. Elongation is when a word is extended to place emphasis on the word(s) and to highlight its significance in the conversation However, while elongation of words in web based communication can simply be depicted as the repletion of vowels or consonants.Words in web based communication are not heard but read; consequently the physical varying of dynamics cannot be expressed. I have explored the differences between web based and spoken language but similarities are also shared between the two. Whilst speaking, specifically during long conversations, speakers often wish to speak as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid zoning out and causing ear aches to yourself or the person you are talking to.Therefore to avoid any of the above from happening elision and ellipsis are used, elision is the omission of a vowel or syllable to make a word shorter by omitting a vowel or syllable (e. g. didn’t, won’t, can’t, etc. ) or by combining two words together for example: gonna which is going and to, wanna which is want and to. Elision is when whole words are removed from context but the utterance can still be understood for example ‘Same, just sitting down. ’ is a shortened version of ‘I’m doing the same thing, just sitting down’.This is also visible in web based communication; ellipsis and elision are used to convey a mess age quicker. However, unlike in spoken communication, this is done because many people are not able to type letters quickly or some websites such as twitter impose a character limit so acronyms and abbreviations are used to reduce the number of letters, spaces, symbols and numbers in the message. An example of an acronym is ‘†¦g2g†¦ ’ this stands for ‘got to go’ so it is a more rapid way of getting a message across using 2 letters and a number, especially when a person online has to go.Word shortening, using ellipsis and elision is more apparent online than in spoken language. The word length is determined by how many syllables a word has, not letters. For that reason numerous acronyms are used online as opposed to a spoken conversation, as acronyms do not provide any benefit in spoken communication. In today’s society and culture spoken communication is valued more than web based communication; this is why a good speech holds more signific ance and inspiration than an article online, spoken communication is genuine, authentic and unique.This could be due to the fact that the speakers tone, facial expression, gestures and emotion is expressed, whereas in web based communication we stare an emotionless, cold and bare wall of text. It may also be attributable to the point that the full capability of the internet has not yet been demoralised. Many people see web speak as one of the factors that vitiates the English language and contributes to poor spelling and bad grammar. Conversely others see it as a quick, efficient and practical way of communicating with one another when the means to do so are limited in terms of length and speech.

Environmental Development through Role Play in Schools Essay

1. Executive Summary In this proposal the Environmental Protection Group (EPG) requests funding for its Environmental Development Project through Role Play in Schools. The project’s goal is to contribute to the reduction of environmental devastation and destruction through the implementation of role-play strategies that highlight concomitant preventive and behaviour change interventions. With this support, EPG will emphasize on increasing awareness practices and measurement requirements and work in close collaboration with partners toward the reduction of the burden of environmental devastation. EPG is requesting Kyats 16,000,000 to support its efforts to combat human effects on our environment and its resultant environmental destruction among the currently unnoticed affected areas of Myanmar. EPG will work in collaboration with the â€Å"Save Earth†, community-based organizations and International NGOs, promoting positive behaviour change through the Environmental protection Role play in schools project. 2. Environmental Issues in Myanmar While environmental protection projects and environment activists are endeavoring to bring forth harmony amongst our environment and our society, Myanmar has rather a slow rate of environmental protection measurements. Citizens should be warned of the effects of their behavior on the environment and the resultant destruction of the environment. However, since the population of working people will not be able to contribute much to our project, we have set our targets on children. Through role play on environmental devastation, we will raise children’s awareness of the environment. Despite learning about the deterioration of the environment only when they get older, making children contribute to the environment is claimed to have much effect both on the children and on the environment. While the environment will get greener with children’s interest in it, the children, on the other hand, will also learn the advantages and disadvantages of their behavior towards the Earth. This way, the science of the Earth and the art of individual responsibility will be learned by the children at the same time, as well as benefit in the eco-friendliness of men and our Earth. 3. Project Objectives – to raise environmental awareness through community participation approach – to get ideas from the community – to promote community’s critical thinking of the environment 4. Our Vision Statement Communities in which people respect the environment, develop the sustainable eco-friendly lifestyle and share the environmental knowledge and practice from generation to generation. 5. The weaknesses of our community – Lack of environmental awareness – Weakness in practicing conservation – Ignorance of the significance of the natural environment 6. Skills and Qualities – Patience – Motivation in community participation – Theatre ability – Persuasiveness – Ability to understand the reality of the community – Scientific Knowledge

Drag Racing as dark play Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Drag Racing as dark play - Research Paper Example The movie shows a delivery driver, Kowalsky, who agrees to take a car to San Francisco from Colorado. Kowasky is shown as an aggressive man who has suffered a lot in life and lost all his loved ones. From flash backs in the movie, the audience is told that life has not been easy on him as he suffered injuries in the war with Vietnam and was also convicted of drug charges after he stopped his partner from committing rape. Tired with life, he hits the road at high speed to take out the frustration he had inside him for so many years. Though his intentions were not to hurt anyone on the road, Kowalsky is portrayed as a rebellious man who is willing to take any challenge as it comes. The police soon learn of a speedy driver on the road and the chase between Kowalsky and police begins. He soon becomes very popular and the media starts reporting him on radio and newspapers. The movie at length shows how he dodges the police and manages to avoid the traps they lay for him. After playing all the catch and mouse game, the man with no purpose in life (Kowalsky) intentionally hits his car against a truck and commits suicide (Berra). When I closely analyzed the movie I penetrated that Kowasky hit the road at high speed least realizing the consequences he would have to face. It was just like a usual task only this one had a little aggressive approach to it. Kowalsky did not intend to gain the attention of the cops when he started his journey and a series of events made him a victim to the police. He was a player who did not know the kind of mess he would get in. His actions were abrupt and though he later knew it could get him in trouble, he cared less for it as he started to relish the moment he was living in. It made him feel important and popular and he was much happier to be in a risky state like this than to play safe in isolation (Berra). Cape fear is a classic example of a movie that psychologically explores the elements of deep play. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie shows an attorney, Sam, defending his family from a man he once defended in court. Max Cady, a tattooed, heavy smoker and a drunkard was convicted of rape which he believed he did not commit and was not guilty of the crime. He blamed Sam for his recklessness in handling the case and claimed it was because of him that he had to suffer 14 years in prison. Once out of prison, Max starts to stalk Sam and his family. When Sam gets to know this he looks to take help from the police and gets Max charged for stalking him and his family. This infuriates Max even more and he gets more vengeful than ever. It leads Max to kill one of Sam’s associate with whom Sam had an affair. This leaves Sam with no other option but to vacate his home and live in a place far away from the psychotic killer. But Max however follows him and despite all the protection Sam could provide his family with, Max tries to assault them. It ends up in a mess when max is deceived by Sam’s daughter, who he mistook as an accomplice, and is stabbed by her. In the end Sam manages to get rid of Max by killing him in self defense to protect his family (Chibnall) I analyzed elements of deep play in Max’s character. This movie shows how Max starts with a small crime of stalking that leads to bigger crimes of killing people around him. He did not need to kill Sam’s associate but the vengeance against Sam had crossed all

Lying is never right Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lying is never right - Essay Example According to Webster, to lie is â€Å"1: to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive; 2: to create a false or misleading impression.† Lying, as defined by St. Thomas Aquinas, â€Å"a statement at variance with the mind†, is more accurate than Webster’s â€Å"to create a false or misleading impression.† This is because, according to Webster, it is possible to lie without making a false statement and without any intention of deceiving. If a person makes a statement which he thinks is false, but in reality is true, he certainly lies inasmuch as he intends to say what is false. A well-known liar may have no intention of deceiving anyone - for he knows nobody believes a word he says – but if he speaks at variance with his mind, he does not cease to lie. someone. An officious or white lie is such that it does not injure anyone. Jocose lies are told for the purpose of affording amusement. When a habit of lying has been contracted, it is practically impossible to restrict its vagaries to matters which are harmless. Therefore, although injury to others is excluded from officious and jocose lies by definition, yet realistically there is no sort of lie which is not injurious to somebody. According to Catholic teachings, an injurious lie is a mortal sin, but officious and jocose lies are of their own nature, venial sins. Telling the truth is not the easiest course of action to follow. On the contrary, telling the truth is often difficult, and frequently leads to unpleasant consequences. A major disturbing thought for us is that Christians, of all people, need to lie. Where are our Christian principles? â€Å"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.† (Ephesians 4:25). God makes it clear that â€Å"all liars shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone,

Identify various grading methods in special education classrooms and Essay

Identify various grading methods in special education classrooms and give examples of appropriate uses of each - Essay Example â€Å"It is up to the classroom and special education teacher to ensure that appropriate strategies are being used† (Watson, 2008). Let’s discuss those grading methods which are turning out to be very successful and are becoming a need for special education classes. â€Å"A special education class needs a variety of behavioral systems† (Barrett, n.d.). In this method, students are given opportunity to write some report on any given topic. In this way, the teacher will be able to know the mental strength of students and will grade them according to their writing style and knowledge which they have put into the report. For example students are asked to write a report on their hobbies. Now, this will be an opportunity for the special students to write it according to their senses and get graded by the teacher accordingly. In this method, students will be graded according to the number or percentage of correct and relative answers to the assignments or questions given to them to be solved. For example, a class of special students is given a questionnaire to be solved by the students. Now, the student who will give the most correct answers to the questions will get more percentage of marks and will be graded as the best student. This is a very useful technique to enhance the answering skills of special students. In this method, the authority of final grading is given to both; class teacher and the resource center teacher. â€Å"In addition to the regular teacher, there will ideally be a special-education teacher whose job it is to adjust the curriculum to your childs abilities† (Mauro, n.d.). Both of them work mutually in cooperation with each other to finalize the grades of any special student by analyzing their skills and abilities in various conditions. This is a useful technique as the efficiency of any student is judged by two authorities rather than one. In point grading system, the performance of any student is based on various factors which include

Disscuss odyssey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Disscuss odyssey - Essay Example 27). Several examples of father/son relationships are provided, including those of Odysseus and Telemachus, Laertes and Odysseus, Poseidon and Polyphemus, Nestor and Pisistratus, and Eupithes and Antinous. Through these relationships, Homer portrays the idea of continuity between generations as traits of the fathers are carried forward and reflected or as they are rejected and refused in the sons. By tracing the relationships between fathers and sons as they relate to Odysseus and Telemachus and each other, Homer shows not only how the strength of family can overcome seemingly insurmountable outcomes, but also how the continuity of traits and characteristics between generations can help a family succeed or bring it to ruin. Odysseus and Telemachus have an absent relationship despite the fact that they are father and son, yet the traits of the father can still be recognized in the activities and thoughts of the son. Because Odysseus embodies the values of hospitality, good manners, loyalty, intelligence and patience, the reader should be able to see these traits in his son. However, having not had his father’s influence, Telemachus instead demonstrates an inability to manage his houseguests and an awkwardness in cultured manners when he arrives in Pylos at the beginning of the tale, aspects of his character that take the goddess Athena by surprise when she decides to send him on a hero’s quest. â€Å"Although the goddess is at once impressed by Telemachus’ physical resemblance to his famous father, his insecurity is such that he is even unsure of his own identity and never refers to his father by name† (Clarke, 1967, p. 32). His contacts with first Nestor and then Menelaus pr ovide him with the examples he needs of a healthy father/son relationship as well as the example these leaders set in being a â€Å"father figure† to their

E-Businesss Impact on Organizational Flexibility Annotated Bibliography

E-Businesss Impact on Organizational Flexibility - Annotated Bibliography Example In this study, the previous literature has been explored by the authors and combining five case studies a model of seven critical factors depicting the impact of flexibility, in the e-business market and on the organizational effectiveness has been proposed. Moreover, this paper proposes the model framed to be utilized as a benchmark and thus can be considered as an essential learning mechanism. The model entails organization-wide change management, joint verdict intelligence and management/ alliance, process orientated agility, organizational learning, information management focused on network, transformational leadership, and knowledgeable meetings. This work offers an interesting insight into the in-progress academic interest in e-business and its influence on the flexibility of organization. The study describes a number of matters linking with human factors, culture, and people as being the most significant to deal. To accomplish efficient organizational change demands actual buy-in from the individuals that are either involved in the change process or are impacted by it i.e. it entails the end-users of the novel technology as well as the central organizational individuals who induce the essential changes. This article provides a comprehensive source on the key factors that can enhance flexibility in an online business and does not limits itself to the technological factor only but also includes the human factor that can help in achieving this goal. It has been evidenced by the authors that the successful implementation of technology depends on task designs, work environment, appropriate training and implementing proper organi zational change. Setting rules and regulations for technological use is recommended to be forbidden to enhance flexibility in the work process, as rules create rigidity in the process.  

Science tells us the truth about reality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Science tells us the truth about reality - Essay Example The results will therefore explain real behavior of the studied objects and communicate the truth that is observed. Scientific information can also be gathered from people’s opinions and perceptions on reality. Information that is developed from these approaches represents truth because they rely on people’s experiences or rationale from observations. Collecting data on people’s experiences, for example, develops information from people’s real life experiences. It therefore communicates the truth to the extent that the source narrated the truth. Other methods for developing scientific information such as making direct observation or analyzing secondary sources of information also support the position that science tells the truth about nature. This is because the methods are accurate and consistent (Cottrell and McKenzie 194- 196, 230- 234). These mean that science based information is derived from real life experiences and is therefore reflective of the tr uth about the reality that develops it. There are however arguments that science does not tell the truth about nature. The fact that some theories are not developed from actual data means that the theories cannot be proved using real life issues. The theories may therefore lack accuracy and consistency in what they say about reality. Inaccuracy of what science says in the theories may mean that science is not saying the truth. Scientific information may also be true in one area but it may be false in another area because of inconsistency (Cottrell and McKenzie 13). Existence of factors and happenings that science cannot explain also means that science may not be telling us the truth about reality. Logics and mathematical positions are examples of truths that science does not explain. Science only offers assumptions on the positions. Many other scientific positions are based on assumptions that cannot be

Skills required for a successful health and safety practitioner Essay

Skills required for a successful health and safety practitioner - Essay Example Technical training also equips individuals with numerous other skills that enhance their success in the profession. Slide 3, Among such skills is communication. Health practitioners interact with their patients on numerous platforms. Such interactions require adequate communication. Among the most essential roles of a health practitioner is diagnosis a process that requires a patient to describe his feelings to a health practitioners (Patel and John 91). Slide 4, The health practitioners must understand the descriptions and make accurate diagnosis thus advising appropriate treatments. The need for effective communication skills commands proficiency in language. As the medium for communication, the health and safety practitioners must have the ability to speak the appropriate language and do so appropriately in order to enhance the effectiveness of the communication processes (Storey and Craig 21). Slide 6, Health and safety practitioners must understand relevant laws. Laws and codes of conduct are vital in the practice since they help curb the rise of legal tussles that may jeopardize the career of an individual. Ethical codes on the other hand influence the decisions that safety and health practitioners make thus ensuring that the practitioners uphold the values of a society (Stellman 55). Slide 7, The nature of the career requires the practitioners to make decisions urgently in order to overcome challenges. The conditions are always precarious and a decision can either save or lose a life. Despite such, the health and safety practitioners must always make such decisions and advise their patients appropriately. This requires the practitioners to have effective analytical skills in order to analyze their circumstances and device appropriate decisions to help overcome the

Factory job Essay Example for Free

Factory job Essay I am seriously going to explode one day. That Mr Birling is being totally out of order, he pays us girls nothing more than 20 shillings a day and that cant keep me alive for much longer. I have spoken to the girls and they agree with me that we should go on strike. That will make him think about the wages he gives the girls and me. I would rather quit but that would show the wrong side of me I am not a quitter, I am a fighter. I should of taken the job in the bakery but no I had to choose the factory job which could have been good and well paid but no they lied to me about the wages. Anyway I saw my Nan today, she is really ill I need the extra money for her medicine but if you ask me I think she will be going soon. I wish I could see my mum but she is in Yorkshire. I could not stay there because there was no work. There was work but I would never stoop that low. My sister got into that kind of work and she got pregnant out of that sort of business. This all the countrys fault I had to move here because of the lack of jobs in Yorkshire its ridiculous. The strike will still go on. Talk soon, thank you for listening. I am sacked now, looks like I need to starve my self once again all because I wanted more money to actually stay alive, hence I am starving myself now. Most of the girls got their jobs back and I loose mine that fair. Mr Birling has to learn that it is not business all the time, he has to think about other peoples lives that are not rich. I told him that and he obviously did not understand about higher and lower class, all he concentrates on is higher class and spends money like a fire in a wood. I better look for a job soon other wise I will die like my Nan did poor and helpless. I am living in my Nan house but I will probably not stay here that long because she has probably given the house to sally her friend on the street. Thank you for listening bye. I am so happy, I went to a interview last week with Milwards and I have a job now and its good pay and I can help sewing the dresses which is my life long dream. I have not got the house any more, Sally and Frederick her boyfriend live there now and I live in a run down hovel and nothing in it. I have no money and I have changed my name to Sarah so I can get a job because I got sacked and you what Mr Birling is like, he knows everyone. I am gradually getting richer but not much, I have got 40 shillings and I need to save that so I cant eat again. Hopefully this job will be successful and its nearly Christmas bonus but I wont get my hopes up. I have realised that my behaviour at Mr Birlings factory was bad but I was desperate and I need the money. I need to be really polite in this shop because lots of posh and higher class shop here and like I said I dont want to work on the street. Thank you for listening. I got sacked once again. I have not been a pain but I did make a funny look when Miss Birling was showing her dress to mum. Even her mum didnt like the dress, you could tell by her face. I laughed as well but that was because I tripped other the stall. I think she complained about me and said to Samantha the boss to sack me. The Higher class always gets their way and bosses always want money. Thank you for listening. It has come to the worse now. I am getting money but I hate sleeping with scummy old men who smell of beer and sometimes dont even pay you for your time. I really did not want to become a slut and sleep around but I am and I had to change my name again. My name is Daisy Renton now. I have lost two stone. I am probably going to die one day and probably poor, helpless and with no family by my side. I might go back to Yorkshire but I have myself into a business. I am going out with Gerald. He was a customer but he likes talking to me and he bought me food recently and I that was touching. I met him in the palace bar. I was there for business and business is good there because all the rich people are there and have no lady of there own because they are so ugly. Gerald is so sweet. Talk soon. I am really depressed and my live is over now because Gerald has left me he gave me some money but I love Gerald I need him he kept me away from trouble. A man recently beat me up and Gerald looked after me. He is a star and he always will be. The money has been going down the drain I need more money, I might need to do extra nights and double shifts a night. Old men are the worst they are so old and horrible. I need a good job because I have not got a enough money for the place I am renting. I will talk to you soon bye.

Book Review: Todd Landman. Protecting Human Rights

Book Review: Todd Landman. Protecting Human Rights Book Review Todd Landman. Protecting Human Rights: A Comparative Study. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2005. 231 pp. $29.95 (paper), ISBN 1-58901-063-9. The post World War II era dawned a new age of countries not only willing to adopt human rights practices but showed the necessity to do so due to the horrific occurrences during the war. Todd Landman discusses how international law and human rights had begun and grown since the war along with the disappearance of authoritarianism and the welcoming of global democracy. In his book, Landman seeks to discover if the nation-states participating in the international human rights regime constrain and limit their behavior in order to protect the sanctity of the rights of individuals. He conducts his study through a global comparative method and quantitative analysis to assess the growth and effectiveness of the international human rights regime. Landman begins his study with a beautiful yet explanatory narrative of the turn of the century and the birth of the international human rights regime after World War II. He discusses how countries were more than willing to turn away from authoritarianism and imperialist regimes and welcome democracy as their new form of government. He states that this is an important turning point in human rights history as it subsequently led to the development of several human rights oriented organizations thus leading to the ability to conduct the study as it gathers information from a total of 193 countries. Landman then continues by stating what exactly he is studying and how he is conducting the study. In its essence, Landman aims to study a theory-driven empirical analysis of the growth and effectiveness of the international human rights regime (6). He successfully does this by conducting a study using a pooled cross-sectional time-series data set of 193 countries over 25 years that yielded 4,825 observations with his goal of hoping to understand how the international human rights regime has evolved over this time and whether or not it has had an impact on human rights practices. From a methodological standpoint, Landman conducts flawless statistical studies by drawing on other scholars previous statistical work to add to the value and validity of his own. Landman uses several small-N, large-N, bivariate, multivariate, studies, along with numerous table, graphs, and charts to visualize his findings. He does so with an exceptional explanation of each as he tries to put into laments terms what exactly he is studying as the statistical numbers and graphs can be daunting to the untrained eye. His first study consisted of measuring human rights and the conceptualization of it based on a legal framework of the term and how it is surrounded by a series of methodological problems like precision, reliability, validity, equivalence, and aggregation, as he notes that although there is a universal definition of human rights one can look up, human rights isnt always universal in definition to one another and this can account for human rights violations occurrences. He outlines how he measures human rights in practice and in principle, then lays out the explanatory and control variables he will use for the following studies within the book. The author takes an in-depth approach in the following chapters after the setup of the study itself and it is necessary to do so considering how rigorous his studies are. He is really only trying to see the growth and effectiveness of the human rights regime across space and time but does so with a very sophisticated approach. He uses several different statistical models to test whether countries have ratified treaties or not, which countries are democratic, when did the become democractic, and their variables: wealth, IGOs, INGOs, trade, Civil War, International War, and population. He explains that these variables are necessary to try and understand the human rights violations over time as they directly affect a country and their human rights occurrences. Throughout the book, Landman does an excellent job of explaining the statistical models he uses and the actual pictures of every single one guides the reader in their further understanding of the complicated material. His one fault is that the models may be too sophisticated for some readers in terms of the bivariate correlation matrices included in the studies. While they are necessary to his study, perhaps he could have broken down the tables even further to account for those who do not have a mathematical background. Through his intense and complex study, Landman sought to understand the mutual relationship between the norms of human rights, country participation, and the degree to which that participation makes a difference for human rights protection (159). Landmans real strength is in explaining his findings through his complex studies. He argues that his analysis focuses on global patterns of variations of general relationships between international law and state practice, and that the gap between human rights in principle and in practice is where the problem lies. Landman successfully argues his point and I am convinced by the surplus of evidence he provides. He answers his research question of what accounts for the effectiveness of human rights over space and time and does so in an eloquent and scientific manner.

The Camp David Accord Essay -- Political History Historical Israel Ess

The Camp David Accord Works Cited Missing By 1978 the thirty-year war that had been fought between Egypt and Israel had come to a point where there was a chance for peace. The area that had been at the center of the turmoil was the West Bank of the Jordan River and the Gaza Strip. The problem was that both countries believed that they had the rights to this land: Israel, biblically and Egypt, politically. So an invitation by President Jimmy Carter to President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel was extended. The invitation was for a meeting in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland at the presidential retreat, Camp David. The meeting was so that the framework of a peace agreement, known as the Camp David Accord, could be laid out between Sadat and Begin, with Carter as the mediator. Both Sadat and Begin had their reputations and their countries’ futures on the line, not to mention the future of the Middle East. All of the countries neighboring Egypt and Israel would be affected by an Egyptian /Israeli agreement of any kind and maybe encouraged to come to an agreement of some sort for that region. A lot of problems had to be overcome for this summit to be a success. One of them was that the hatred and suspicions between President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin ran very deep. Another problem was that the outside pressures were too strong to permit an easy and early resolve for issues that had a long and ancient history (Mideast 26). The last problem was the hope that President Carter could put out of his mind the psychological profiles done by the CIA on both Begin and Sadat, which could have adversely affected his ability to mediate the proceedings. The long-standing hatred between Sadat and Begin was not one of a personal nature. It had more to do with the political differences of their two countries. Israel has held that the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were theirs because of the establishment of the State of Israel, out of what was Palestine in 1948 and by right of heredity. This was the land that God had told Moses was the Jewish Promised Land. The Egyptians, on the other hand, claimed that the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were theirs. They based their claim on the fact that there were Egyptian citizens living in these areas at the time, the State of Israel was established, so therefore it must be Egyptian land. In ... ...reaty between them within three months of the signing of this agreement (Camp 43). So by the close of the summit, Begin had accepted the new â€Å"words,† which he once had considered improbable (Blitzer 48). For someone like Begin, who holds a lot of value in the power of words, this agreement was not easy to come by. What all the men involved wanted to know was how the meaning of the words would be translated on the ground in the months and years to come (Blitzer 48). In the final analysis of the meetings at Camp David, it’s important not to focus on what was not accomplished, but on what was. The agreement that these two leaders came to was much more than a â€Å"framework for peace;† it was a first step in a long process. A process that many people here and abroad thought would never come. In the years that followed this summit, there were more and more talks that have lead to the relative peace in that part of the world today. So, what Camp David did more than anything else was to set the groundwork to get people talking to each other in a positive direction. The three men had progressed from an agreement to pray together to an agreement to try and make a lasting peace (Blitzer 48).

Steroid Use in Sports :: Papers Steroids Drugs Essays

Steroid Use in Sports Steroid use has become very common in the world of athletics. Steroids are no longer just used by body builders. Steroids are now becoming widely used in all sports such as baseball, football, track and field, and ice hockey. Steroids have become easy for just about anyone to get their hands on them. This has become a serious problem that needs to be taken care of immediately. A steroid is a laboratory-made version of the human hormone testosterone, which is primarily found in males. Steroids are taken by athletes to enhance the growth of muscles. There are however, certain kinds of steroids that do enhance the growth of bones. The use of steroids creates many risks that are often looked over when compared to the benefits. Some of these risks include damaging important body organs such as the liver and kidneys; some of the other risks include shrinkage of testicles in men and they may create bad breakouts of acne. There are also other side effects which result in thicker skin and courser facial hair (Mihoces, 2000) (Conaway, 1998). The problem of steroid use exists everywhere including all ages from young middle school students to forty-year-old men. A Penn State professor states in the USA Today web site that approximately 175,000 teenage girls and 375,000 teenage boys have used steroids at one time or another (Michoces, 2000). This is a serious problem when teenage boys and girls are using steroids. Unless using one specific steroid, all of these teenagers are going to stunt their growth because the most common steroids used completely halt the growth of bones and increase the growth of muscles. Many people take steroids for many different reasons but most of the athletes that take steroids take them for one reason and that is to become better at what they do. Some of the reasons that athletes take steroids are because the competition is so high. In the sport of Major League Baseball for instance, only around seven hundred players participate in a single season. There are approximately 7,100 players that play professional baseball all together, including the minor leagues. The average career in the major leagues only lasts 2.7 years. This is a rather short career and considering the amount of money to be made, every player would like to play as long as he possibly can.

Leadership Theories/ Approaches Essay

As individuals, all seek to improve their personal, social and professional roles. As organizations, they seek people able to guide others and maximize performance. One of the thoughts that come to people on this is to achieve Leadership but to be able to do it, it is imperative to understand its meaning, its strengths, its weaknesses and all concepts that may help individuals and organizations to approach it in their modern world. Thanks to these needs, many researchers have been looking for answers and ways to represent what is leadership significance. The purpose of this essay is to analyze and discuss two theories/approaches of leadership, in order to gain a better understanding. Every individual experiments the meaning of leadership (in family, school, playground, politics, professional work, among others). Some studies present leadership as a trait or behavior and some others from an information perspective or relational position and to be studied qualitative and quantitative m ethods have been applied in varied contexts (Northouse, 2009). Behave as a leader determinates success in individual ´s careers and outcome in organizations, in other words leadership behavior leads in effectiveness (Lussier and Achua, 2009). Theorist agreed that the perspective or how leadership is interpreted can be divided in two groups: Classical and contemporary theoretical approaches. To focus in modern views could mean to pass over the classical views such as the traits approach, behavior or style approach and the situational approach which are often condemned because according to some authors, it does not cover the whole reality (Winkler, 2009).To discuss this point one of the classics views of leadership as the situational approach is and one modern approach as transformational approach will be developed. Classical approaches undertake just one directional relation between leaders and followers where leaders have particular trait that differentiate them from those who follow them while most of the contemporaries approach consider it a s an interaction process (Winkler, 2009). Classical theories describe characteristics and behavior of leaders (Rost, 1991), opposite of modern approaches which seem it as a complex interaction (Yuki, 2006). Situational approach is one of the most known and diverse approaches of leadership, developed by Hersey and Blanchard (1969) based on Reddin ´s (1967). This approach says that different kinds of leadership are required for each different situation which can be inferred as the ability of adaptability to different environments to be an effective leader. Situational approach demands that there are a directive and supportive dimensions which compose it and they are highly important to be applied fittingly to the situation involved. In order to determinate what is required a leader, must understand the scenario and evaluate the employees to identify their skills to perform a task given and after the analysis to choose the level of being directive and supportive (Northouse, 2009). There are cases when one is more suitable than the other. Everything depends on the situation. In other words it means that a leader is called to match their style to the skills of their employees. The most effective leader is who match her or his own style to employees ‘needs. Blanchard (1985) and Blanchard et al (1985) provided a model of situational approaches which was based on the previous model described by Hersey and Blanchard (1969. Situational Leadership. Taken from Blanchard et all (1985). To better understanding the dynamics of situational approach can be divided into two: Leadership styles and Development level of subordinates (Northouse, 2009). The former makes reference to the behavior pattern of a person who seeks influencing others, including the directive or task oriented behavior and the supportive or relationship oriented behavior. According to the graphic below the leadership styles can be discriminated in 4 categories: supportive, coaching, directive and delegating style which is described under each one depending on the levels of directive or supportive behavior assumed. Development levels calls the level of commitment from the employees. It goes from low to high level depending on the interest and confidence on the employees in their work. To mention some of the strengths of the situational approach it is convenient to mention that it give emphasis to the leader flexibility (Graeff, 1983). Leaders need to know their subordinate ´s aims and accommodate to them. Employees do not act or react in the same way for all tasks provided, they distinguish between each one and their behavior is different in each situation, so leaders (Northouse, 2009). Least but not less, situational leadership reminds leaders to treat each subordinate different, according to the task (Fernandez and Vecchio, 1997). On the other hand, there is not enough evidence of research in this field to maintain the theoretical basis (Fernandez and Vecchio, 1997). When looking at Blanchard’s model there is kind of ambiguity because there is not clear relation or combination between commitment and competence in subordinates (Graeff, 1997). To determinate the validity of the relationship established by Hersey and Blanchard ´s model, Vecchio (1987) carried out a test with more of 300 hundred schools and found that teacher new hired whit high structured styles leadership were performing better while experienced teachers were indifferent to the leadership style of the principal (Northouse, 2009). Even when criticized this approach has still some application areas such as consulting because of its easy conceptualization and application. Situational leadership for instance can be applied in the first stage of a project when the conception of the idea is important (Northouse, 2009). To help the reader to understand more about situational approach there are two situations described Situation 1 Budget restrictions were set in the department and a project must be consolidated. The manager thinks to pass this responsibility to an employee who is highly capable and with so much experience. This employee is well known and respected by most if the rest of the staff (Adapted from Northouse (2009)). In this particular situation which actually is faced frequently by organizations, the style of the manager or leader which was assumed is the â€Å"delegating style† when through delegating the accomplishment of the task to the employee is performing a low directive level and low supportive level when is asking the employee to be in charge and because of the capabilities of the employee is allowing them to decide how to do it. Situation 2 Someone was recently named head of a department in a new regional office. When knowing the staff, noticed that one of the experienced employees do not follow the tasks assigned who is new and very enthusiastic and wants to get ahead in the organization (Adapted from Northouse (2009)). . This case describes a very often situation where organizations find some enthusiastic employees who fail following tasks. Because of the lack of experience of the employee but the high motivations to succeed, the most suitable leadership style would be â€Å"Directing†. The employee requires to be told about the specifications of each task of the job and also the performance needs to be monitored. A more contemporary approach is the transformational leadership which stands for creation of a valuable change positive to followers. A transformational leader focuses on transforming others, helping each other to motivate people and maximize the performance of individuals. In particular this leadership approach was created to provide a framework that stop leaders of adopting the last leader style of the day found in any book store. In the nature of transformational leadership consciousness is inherent and also the ability to raise consciousness in others (Hacker and Roberts, 2003). The skills aimed are managerial and leadership and certainness of when call one style on a particular situation (Hacker and Roberts, 2003). Transformational leaders motivate their followers to do more than what they think is possible to do achieving better performances (Bass, 1998). Leaders applied one or more of the four components of the transformational leadership. According to Bass and Avolio (1990) leaders who achieved high performance results, employ the four components: charismatics or idealized influence, Inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and Individualized consideration. The former is when followers identify the leader as an example and make it a model. Those leaders obtain the best of the followers because they gain their trust and respect. The inspirational leader, encourage their followers in a positive way and show them security when present their future plans, stimulating people to achieve high performance levels (Bass, 1985). When they stimulate the intellect of their followers, they enhance their creativity and persuade them to re think the ideas to solve a problem. The later, individualized consideration is applied when leaders diagnostic the needs and characteristics of their followers and care about each individual. Into a changing environment, the best leaders are those who are able to create consciousness in their followers about what they do (Bass, 1987). This kind of leadership happens when leaders get their followers highly compromised with their objective into an organization, make then ware of their needs of personal growth, development and achievement of goals, and when motivate them to work well for the general benefit of the organization and not just the personal benefit. An organization having conscious relationships with purpose and direction builds a strong environment to insert radical change (Hacker and Roberts, 2003). Relational transformation and consciousness. Taken from Hacker and Roberts (2003) To illustrate transformational results into an organization the example of leadership in St. Charles medical system, Bend, Oregon (Adapted from Hacker and Roberts, 2003) will be used. Mr. Jim Lussier Leadership position: CEO Organization: St. Charles medical system, Bend, Oregon Transformational results: In 1989, Jim Lussier projected to transform St. Charles Medical Center (SCMC) Jim ´s vision charmed people over the world, resulting in varied questioning about existing hypotheses. The innovative results of reduced costs, reduced lengths of stay, greater patient satisfaction, award-winning service and a long waiting list of nurses seeking being employed, reveal the skills of leader transformation and structuring an organization of meaning. SCMC proved that real caring can coming back to the medical system which for many patients is currently a non-existing service. And for many doctors, nurses and other caregivers they system where they practice is not alive. SCMC under Jim ´s leadership has evidenced something unique that other medical services do not have. To construct his successful approach, Jim employed over 250 task forces to analyze which changes must be done. Through a process of five years Jim and his team redefined the healthcare delivered service, pointing that the spirit of love and compassion must be enhanced to technology and intellect in curing the body. Every process and procedure was reengineered and the healthcare givers were trained in patient-relationship basis, the staff was encouraged to innovate and be creative. When Jim Lussier was asked: How did you build your vision and involve others in? He commented that he created his vision in a personal level and with his mind clear and with the perception of their job as creation of continuum services in order to improve health. He was positive convinced that what they needed were people with a mission in their lives to work with them. Jim ´s statement evidences what the transformational leadership seeks in a leader, it is to get people clear in their minds about his projections and through that get followers that want to take part and improve themselves offering their best. After considering both approaches the author of this essay establishes that even when both were attempted in different times, both are the answers that at their moments were given by the researchers that were interested in improve the performance of organizations. The classical approach discussed which was the situational leadership by its moment found that the style of leaders which Blanchard et al (1985) characterized in four styles (Supporting, Directing, Coaching and delegating) according to the levels of direction and support were related to the commitment and knowledge of subordinates. How the leader behaves influences their subordinates and generates the outcomes into an organization. In a more contemporary scenario where it is recognized that changes happen all the time the requirements of any organizations are based on leaders able to respond to them maximizing the outputs and following the recognition of humans as essential element. So that, leaders were call to establish closer relationships with their teams, to study them, identify their needs and inspire them to perform a greater levels. A leader in the current scenario of business needs to be highly motivator and creative to get others involved in his/her visions. In the author ´s view the characteristics, skill, behavior, among others of a leader are closely related to the business environment where leadership has place. The must be adjusted to the needs and vision of the organization where they exercise it and always procuring to elevates the performance of individuals, gaining their respect, trust, and common commitment. What the author understands as leadership is that it is how individuals obtain enhance employees with organization ´s vision behaving as every particular situation requires, doing it efficiently (do things right) and effectively (doing the right thing). Every individual desiring to be a leader must understand their environment and establish consolidated strategies in order to performance as one. Everyone conscious of themselves, capable of identify their weaknesses and strengths can behave as a leader. REFERENCES Aaker, D.A., Joachimsthaler, E., 2005. Liderazgo de Marca. Deusto Bass, Bernard M. (1981); â€Å"Stogdill’s Handbook of Leadership: A Survey of Theory and Research†. New York: Free Press Bass, B.M., 1998. Transformational Leadership: Industrial, Military, and Educational Impact. Routledge. Bass, B.M., Avolio, B.J., 1994. Improving Organizational Effectiveness through Transformational Leadership. SAGE Hacker, S. & Roberts, T., 2003. Transformational Leadership: Creating Organizations of Meaning. ASQ Quality Press. Hersey, P., & Blanchard, K. H (1988). Management of organizational behavior: Utilizing human resources (6th. Ed.) Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall Lussier, R.N., Achua, C.F., 2009. Leadership: Theory, Application, & Skill Development. Cengage Learning. Northouse, P.G., 2009. Leadership: Theory and Practice. SAGE. Reddin, W. J. (1967, April). The 3-D management style theory. Training and development Journal, pp 8 -17 Vecchio, R.P (1987). Situational leadership theory: An examination of a prescriptive theory. Journal of Applied Psychology, 72(3), 444-451 Winkler, I., 2009. Contemporary Leadership Theories: Enhancing the Understanding of the Complexity, Subjectivity and Dynamic of Leadership. Springer.

Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 20

I didn't expect to hear from Dante so quickly. Based on what he'd said about the difficulty of the Nyx-charm, I'd figured it would be a while – if at all. Hugh's observations on the matter had only reinforced my growing skepticism about Dante's abilities. â€Å"I've got your protection,† Dante told me on the phone. â€Å"Or at least as close as I can get. You want it, come pick it up.† He disconnected. I drove to Rainier Valley, finding Dante's shop empty as usual. â€Å"Guess you don't see a lot of business so close to Christmas, huh?† â€Å"Actually,† he told me, emerging from the back room, â€Å"you'd be surprised at the kind of desperation the holidays can bring out in people. Here, catch.† He tossed me something baseball-sized. I caught it, feeling a little disappointed when I studied it closer. It looked like a wicker ball, made of very thin, dark branches. Through the gaps, I could make out a few things inside. One looked like a rock. Another looked like a feather. The whole thing rattled when I shook it. â€Å"This is it?† I asked. â€Å"This is going to keep away an uber-powerful dream entity? It looks like a prop from The Blair Witch Project.† â€Å"It can't force her away,† he said. â€Å"Nothing can. But it might make her think twice. It's more of†¦a repellent.† â€Å"Like citronella?† He rolled his eyes. â€Å"Yes, like citronella. Depending on her energy charge, she might blow past it. If she's weak enough†¦well, it might hold her back.† I examined the ball again. It still didn't look like much to me. I sensed no power or magic off of it, but not all objects had an aura I could sense. For reading inanimate items, a psychic mortal tended to be more adept than a lesser immortal. My silence appeared to further annoy Dante. â€Å"Look,† he snapped. â€Å"You don't have to use it, but it took a fuckload of power for me to craft it, okay? It'd be nice if you could maybe withhold your customary sarcasm for a whole five minutes to thank me.† â€Å"My customary sarc – â€Å" I stopped the burst of temper starting to flare in me. Dante ranked near the top of my list of cynical acquaintances, but I wasn't exactly Pollyanna myself. I'd given him nothing but a hard time since I first came to him for help. And now, studying him, I noticed he was pale and tired-looking. His eyes were bloodshot. The ball might be worthless, but he'd clearly exerted some sort of effort in making it. â€Å"You're right,† I said. â€Å"I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you for this.† His eyebrows rose, and I could actually see the self-control it took for him not to mock my sincerity. He nodded. â€Å"You're welcome.† We each waited for the other to speak. I don't think we knew what to do without the sarcasm. â€Å"So†¦did you find your angel friends?† â€Å"No. I apparently need a fucking Bat Signal or something. Jerome's gone too. Hugh – this imp friend of mine – could get a hold of him, but it'd probably piss Jerome off if we were wrong about all this.† I scowled, recalling the conversation in the deli. â€Å"Anyway, Hugh's pissing me off right now, so I don't even know if I want his help.† Dante smiled. â€Å"I thought succubi were supposed to make friends everywhere they went. Or is that a myth like the bat wings and flame eyes?† â€Å"He's just being an asshole about Seth.† Dante looked at me expectantly. I sighed. â€Å"He thinks us dating is a waste of time. And not because of the sex thing. He thinks I'm going to get hurt.† â€Å"Terribly altruistic of an imp. But then, considering your quasi-morals, I'm starting to think it's a bad idea to assume anything about you guys.† He took a few steps toward me and playfully tapped my nose. â€Å"And what about you? Do you think you're going to get hurt?† â€Å"No. And if I do, that's for me to deal with. Hugh shouldn't be worrying about it. And he shouldn't make Seth worry about it either!† â€Å"Don't get so upset about people worrying about you. It means they care. If enough of us were like that, there'd be a lot less pain in the world.† That was an unexpected observation from Dante. â€Å"Maybe. But there'd also be a lot less unnecessary stress.† He chuckled and caught hold of my hand. Flipping it over, he looked at the palm. â€Å"A random assortment of lines for this body?† he asked. I nodded. â€Å"Can you change it to your original?† â€Å"What, so you can read it? I thought this was a bunch of bullshit.† â€Å"Sometimes.† I waited for more, but it didn't come. His gray eyes were serious and thoughtful as they met mine. Something in them compelled me, and with great reluctance, I shape-shifted my hands back to the ones I'd been born with. I hadn't worn my original body since the day I'd become a succubus, and this small change felt unnatural. I hated this form. While my original hands weren't gargantuan, they were larger than was proportional to this petite frame I carried and appeared weird and mismatched. Dante held my hands in his and glanced back and forth between the palms. After just a few seconds, he snorted and dropped them both. â€Å"Surprise, surprise.† I shape-shifted them back to the way they had been. â€Å"What?† I asked. â€Å"Right-handed?† â€Å"Yeah.† He pointed to the left hand. â€Å"Those lines represent what you're born with – your inherent traits. The right hand is the hand that shows how you grow and change and adapt to what you're born with. Nature and nurture.† â€Å"So?† â€Å"Yours are identical on both hands. Your heart line is high on the palm – which means you have an intense, passionate nature. No surprise there. But it's broken into a million pieces. Sliced and diced.† He tapped my left hand. â€Å"You were destined for heartache.† He tapped my right hand. â€Å"And you are going to repeat that pattern forever. You aren't learning. You aren't changing.† â€Å"If I'm destined for it, then what does learning or changing have to do with anything? Isn't it a done deal?† I didn't like the censuring tone in his voice, like I'd done something wrong by having these palms. â€Å"Don't start,† he said. â€Å"I'm not a philosopher and don't want to get into any pre-destination or free-will debates. Besides, palm reading is a bunch of bullshit.† â€Å"Yeah,† I said dryly. â€Å"So I hear.† To my surprise, Dante put his arm around me and drew me close in a sort of half-hug. â€Å"Be careful, succubus. You've got a mess o' dangerous things in your life right now. On all fronts. I don't want to see you get hurt either.† I stayed in the embrace and rested my head on his chest. â€Å"When did you get so nice? Are you still trying to get me into bed?† â€Å"I'm always trying to get you into bed.† He pressed a kiss to my forehead, to my nose, and then to my lips. â€Å"But I kind of like you too. Just watch out.† I drove home after that, a bit confused over Dante's surprising behavior. Thinking about him, I soon arrived in Queen Anne before I knew it. I found neither Vincent nor the angels in my apartment and decided to go to the bookstore. I had today off too, but I knew they were busy and could use the extra help. I needed the distraction. Just before closing, Seth called my cell and asked if I could pick him up at his brother's. He and Terry had indeed gone to see the movie, but Seth's car was actually here in Queen Anne and he needed a ride now since Terry had originally picked him up. I finished what I was working on in my office and headed out. Terry and Andrea greeted me warmly when I showed up, reminding me to come to Christmas dinner – even though I'd long since told them I'd be there. They always regarded my relationship with Seth as a tenuous, fragile thing (which it was) and felt compelled to do all they could to protect it. The girls were as thrilled as always to see me, and they assaulted me with questions and chatter. All except Kayla. She'd apparently gotten to stay up late tonight. In some ways, her silence wasn't surprising. Aside from the startling conversation the other night, she almost never spoke anyway. But usually, she'd come forward with the other girls to see me. Tonight, she simply stayed on the couch, watching me solemnly. When Seth made motions to leave, I broke from the girls and went over to Kayla. â€Å"Hey, you,† I said, sitting down beside her. â€Å"How's it – â€Å" I hadn't touched her, but Kayla suddenly jerked away from me as though she'd been burned. Backing up, she scrambled off the couch and tore out of the room. We heard her small footsteps on the stairs as she ran to her room. Startled, I looked at the others. â€Å"What did I do?† â€Å"No idea,† said Andrea, puzzled. â€Å"She's been fine all night.† â€Å"Something must have gotten into her,† said Terry. â€Å"No telling with kids. Especially with girls.† He mussed Kendall's hair, and she yelped. Everyone promptly forgot about Kayla and continued to make farewells to Seth and me. I spoke to them half-heartedly, though. Kayla was always happy to see me, and last time, she'd demonstrated a special trust and belief in me. Tonight, she had looked at me with abject terror. Why? Was it a little girl mood? Or was there something hanging on me from another plane that I couldn't see? Just before we left, I asked if I could go say good-bye to Kayla and give talking to her another shot. Upstairs, I found her curled into a corner of her bed, clutching the unicorn. Her eyes widened in terror when she saw me, and I stopped in the bedroom door. â€Å"Hey,† I said. â€Å"You okay?† No answer, just wider eyes. â€Å"I won't come any closer,† I said. â€Å"Promise. But, please†¦just tell me. What do you see? Why are you afraid of me?† For a moment, I didn't think she'd answer. Then, finally, she spoke in a voice I could barely hear. â€Å"You're bad,† she whispered. â€Å"Why are you so bad?† That wasn't what I'd been expecting. I'd thought maybe she'd tell me there was a ghostly hag hovering above my head. Something in Kayla's words made my stomach sink. I knew I was evil – it was kind of the definition of a Hellish servant. I lived day to day with my eternal task, seducing and corrupting men. But somehow, a little girl telling me I was â€Å"bad† hit me harder than the cruelest, most profane accusation could. Without another word to her, I headed back downstairs. As I drove Seth back to my place, I gave him the scoop on the angels and my subsequent lack of progress. â€Å"You've got some creature stalking you, and you decided to go into work?† He sounded both amused and exasperated. â€Å"You might as well have gone to the movie with me.† â€Å"Oh.† I felt kind of stupid. â€Å"I didn't want to interrupt any brotherly bonding.† â€Å"And,† he added, â€Å"you forgot.† â€Å"I never forget about you,† I said stoutly. â€Å"But I was kind of distracted.† â€Å"Funny how that's never a good excuse when the roles are reversed†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My apartment was still empty when we got there. I left my coat and Dante's charm in my bedroom and then went to sit on the couch with Seth. â€Å"I hate waiting,† I told him. â€Å"Why does this always happen? Some big, supernatural crisis pops up in my life, and I always end up sitting around and feeling useless. I'm always dependent on others.† â€Å"No, you aren't,† he said, lacing his fingers through mine. â€Å"You're wonderful and capable. But you can't do everything.† â€Å"I just wish I could do something else besides shape-shift and look good. I wish I could, I don't know, shoot laser beams out of my fingers or something.† â€Å"You think that'd stop Nyx?† â€Å"No. But it'd be cool.† â€Å"Me, I always wanted frost power.† â€Å"Frost power?† â€Å"Yeah.† Seth gestured dramatically toward my coffee table. â€Å"If we're talking superhero abilities. If I had frost power, I could wave my hand, and suddenly that whole thing would be covered in ice.† â€Å"Not frost?† â€Å"Same difference.† â€Å"How would frost and/or ice power help you fight crime?† â€Å"Well, I don't know that it would. But it'd be cool.† I laughed and snuggled into Seth, feeling better. I could wait this out. â€Å"Are you hungry?† I asked him. â€Å"Yasmine and Vincent have been waging their own version of Top Chef around here.† We went to the kitchen and found it stocked with more food than it had ever had since I moved in. I unwrapped a plate of what appeared to be slices of freshly baked shortcake. Seth pointed to the refrigerator. â€Å"If there are strawberries in there, it's proof of God's existence.† I opened the door and peered around. â€Å"Get ready for a religious experience,† I told him, pulling out a bowl of chopped-and-sugared strawberries. With the other hand, I pulled out a larger bowl covered in plastic wrap. â€Å"And homemade whipped cream.† â€Å"Hallelujah,† he said. We piled plates high with shortcake and strawberries, and suddenly, dream entities seemed downright comical. I unwrapped the whipped cream, and Seth promptly dabbed a finger in it. â€Å"Savage,† I scolded. â€Å"Heavenly,† he countered, licking off the cream. He stuck another finger into the bowl and held it out to me. I leaned forward and ran my tongue over the tip. Rich sweetness flooded my mouth. â€Å"Mmm,† I said, closing my eyes. â€Å"Mmm,† said Seth. I opened my eyes. â€Å"Are you talking about the whipped cream?† â€Å"Not exactly.† â€Å"You talking about this?† There was still whipped cream on his finger. I took it into my mouth and sucked gently on it, cleaning up the last of the cream and stroking Seth's skin with my tongue. When I finished, he exhaled a held breath. â€Å"Thanks for the cleanup.† â€Å"Cleanliness is next to godliness, I hear.† â€Å"I think I have more on me, though,† he said. â€Å"Really?† I asked. â€Å"Where?† He swiped his finger through more whipped cream. â€Å"Right here.† I licked that off too, sucking and kissing all of the fingers on his hand – not just the guilty one. Finished, I flipped the hand over and kissed the top of it. â€Å"There. Sparkling clean.† Seth shook his head. â€Å"Oh no.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"You've got some on you too.† â€Å"Do I? Where?† He dipped into more whipped cream and dabbed it on my lips, my chin, and the side of my throat. â€Å"Everywhere,† he said. Before I could formulate a response, his mouth was on my neck, licking and kissing with as much sensuality as I had just used on his fingers. The eroticism of it astounded me – and I was hardly one to be caught by surprise with such things. I instinctually moved my body toward his, arching my neck back as his lips continued moving up. I felt his tongue, warm and amazingly skilled, clean up every drop of the whipped cream on my throat before sliding to my chin and finally to my mouth. We kissed harder, dessert (of the food nature) now forgotten. I felt his lips fit perfectly with my own. My back was against the counter, and Seth pressed his body against mine, trapping me. When I finally pulled back from the kiss, I could scarcely breathe. â€Å"Wow,† I said, eyes wide. â€Å"This is why I don't cook. It only leads to trouble.† Seth, still right against me, glanced left and then right. There was a heated, feral look in his eyes that made me shiver. â€Å"I don't see anything too bad happening.† â€Å"Not yet,† I admitted. â€Å"But you know the drill.† He shrugged. â€Å"Yeah. But nothing bad is happening now.† â€Å"It will if we – mmphf!† Seth was kissing me again, and this time his arms went around my waist, pulling us closer still. I wrapped my own arms around his neck, tilting my face upward to get more of the kiss. It was hot and dangerous and amazing, and I couldn't get enough. I knew, though, that I'd have to get enough of it pretty quickly here and was contemplating how to stop it when Seth broke away first. â€Å"Ah,† I teased. â€Å"You've come to your senses.† Seth smiled at me, and my heart raced at the juxtaposition of the animal desire and trademark laidback look on his face. â€Å"Nope,† he said. â€Å"Let's see how far we can go.† â€Å"You already know,† I said. â€Å"We've timed this before.† That was a bit of an exaggeration. We'd never had a stopwatch or anything, but we'd gained a good sense of how long and how deep a kiss could go before it was time to part. He shook his head. â€Å"Not kissing. This.† I wore a black tank top with a red cardigan over it. Seth reached out and unfastened the sweater's three large buttons and pulled it off of me. Letting it drop to the floor, he then rested his hands on my arms, fingers warm against my bare skin. He looked at me expectantly. â€Å"We're timing how quickly you can take off my sweater?† I asked. â€Å"Wrong answer. It's not always about you.† Removing his hands, he caught the bottom edge of his Cap'n Crunch T-shirt and pulled it over his head. He'd pulled me to his chest before it even hit the floor, and suddenly, I was face to face with golden, delicious-smelling Seth skin. Lots of it. Resisting the urge to start kissing his chest then and there, I looked up into his face and attempted levity. â€Å"Is this like strip poker? Except†¦without the poker part?† â€Å"This, Thetis,† he said, grabbing the edge of my tank top, â€Å"is a test. A test to see how far we can go on all dimensions. Not just kissing.† I should have stopped him, but the feel of his hands sliding up my torso was too intoxicating. The tank top went over my head and joined the other clothing on my kitchen floor. I laughed. â€Å"So†¦we know how much kissing we can do. Now you're trying to see how much naked we can do?† â€Å"Yes,† he said. He was attempting a dignified air. â€Å"It's a scientific experiment.† â€Å"Mostly it seems like you pulling off my clothes.† â€Å"That's part of it. We know how much we can kiss. But can we kiss naked? How long can we kiss naked? Is it the same?† â€Å"I don – â€Å" Again, he cut me off with a kiss, and my whole body tingled as my breasts pressed up against his chest. There was nothing between us, just skin on skin, and it was incredible. Between that and the kiss, I felt dizzy. And so, Seth's experiment progressed. He removed articles of our clothing one at a time, then would kiss me, pause, and examine the results. When we were both completely naked, he stepped back and admired my body, his face gleeful and smug. â€Å"I don't think the succubus thing is working,† he said. â€Å"Oh, it works, believe me,† I said, suddenly nervous. Every inch of me wanted to be touched and caressed and ravaged. My skin burned. And the hunger within me – the instinct that urged me to feed off human energy – was raging, realizing just how close it was to dinnertime. This had started out as an amusing game, but it now occurred to me how dangerous this had become. â€Å"It's less about naked and more about us not kissing so much. Remember that time we started making out in bed? I got some of your energy then, and we were dressed. Push this enough – or start doing things with other parts of our bodies – and it'll be game over.† I stepped back and reached for my shirt. â€Å"But you made good scientific progress tonight, I'll give you that.† Seth caught my wrist before I could get the shirt. He pulled me back to him. â€Å"Just a little bit more. Just to see.† He still had the same intensity and arousal all over him. I'd seen it in him before but never like this. â€Å"What more is there?† I asked. â€Å"Just one more kiss,† he said, feigning innocence. â€Å"A†¦parting kiss.† â€Å"Oh good grief.† â€Å"One kiss, Thetis. That's it.† I hesitated, then nodded. â€Å"Okay. Fine. But I'm onto you, so don't think you can get away with anything here.† â€Å"Noted.† At least that's what I think he said because it came out kind of muffled with his mouth crushing mine. I was pressed back against the counter again, and his hand was moving down my ass, down the back of my thigh. We were so close. So, so close. We'd never been this close, this naked, before. We'd certainly never been this naked and kissing before. I felt alive and on fire, craving him both as a succubus and a woman in love. The floodgates burst, and all the passion we kept restrained flowed forth. I could feel him, how hard he was and how much he wanted me. My own body responded in kind, pushing closer and grinding against him. His hand on the back of my thigh tensed and then pulled my leg up. It was barely around his hip when I felt†¦it. It. Seth's life. Sweeter than kissing, sweeter than whipped cream. It came into me pure and bright, unlike anything else I'd ever tasted – well, other than the last time I'd stolen some from him. I would have moaned if my mouth wasn't preoccupied. Reason seized me, and I did my best to squirm free. My best wasn't good enough, and all I could do was slide my mouth away from his. He simply moved down, kissing my neck. The energy didn't stop. â€Å"Seth. Seth. We made the point. We saw how far we can go.† His eyes, full of so much longing and passion, held mine. â€Å"Please, Georgina†¦we're so close†¦just this once†¦Ã¢â‚¬  We were so close. Too close. â€Å"No.† I pressed my palms to his chest. â€Å"Seth! Stop.† I shoved hard. â€Å"Stop!† I broke free all at once and staggered a few feet back, my hand catching the counter for support. The energy transfer cut off abruptly. He reached out a hand to help steady me, but I stayed out of reach. â€Å"Are†¦are you okay?† he asked. â€Å"I'm fine,† I said, breath heavy. â€Å"But you aren't. I got a little – a little of your energy.† â€Å"A little is nothing.† â€Å"Not to me,† I said, still keeping my distance. â€Å"It's not your energy,† he said. His eyes were still heated and hungry. â€Å"It's mine. And I think it was worth it.† He took a step forward. â€Å"And I'd think it was worth it, even if I lost more.† I held out my hand, palm-first. â€Å"Stop. Don't come closer. I don't trust you.† His expression became less aroused and more dumbfounded. â€Å"You†¦don't trust me? I never thought I'd hear you say that.† â€Å"That's not what I meant. Exactly. I mean, I don't know. I don't think you're going to rape me or anything, but you're†¦uh, persuasive. And you haven't been yourself lately. Ever since you got shot. You've been†¦I don't know. Risky. Like you're having a mid-life crisis.† â€Å"I'm having a life crisis, Thetis. I don't want to be one of those people who discovers on my death bed that I didn't do anything. Why can't you understand this? You're so quick to encourage Maddie to do exciting things, but you're still trying to protect me.† â€Å"It†¦it's different.† â€Å"How?† he asked. â€Å"Why is it okay for her to take risks but not me?† â€Å"Because there's a big difference between going rock climbing and sleeping with someone who's going to take years off your life. How long is this phase going to last? You always said it wasn't about sex between us.† â€Å"It's not,† he said stoutly. â€Å"Not at all. I love you for†¦so many reasons. More than I can even begin to describe. But I don't want to die never having touched you. Really touched you.† I stared. He was serious. How could he say he didn't want to die without touching me when touching me would only lead him closer to death? â€Å"You're only saying this because you haven't had sex in so long,† I accused. â€Å"You got all turned on and now you're not thinking straight.† â€Å"I am turned on,† he agreed. â€Å"By you. The woman I love.† He took another step toward me but still stayed far enough away so we didn't touch. â€Å"I want you, Georgina. So badly it kills me. I know you want me too. How can we go on being afraid of something we never tried? I'll take a hit for it, yeah, but if we go on for years†¦without ever knowing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He shook his head and sighed. â€Å"Please, Georgina. Just this once. Let us be together – really together.† I swallowed. He was so earnest. So sweet. So sexy. And so help me, he sounded reasonable. The calm way he spoke almost made me believe it didn't matter, that if I gave in and let our bodies come together, the loss would be small and inconsequential. I looked into his eyes and tried to convince myself of his rationalization, bringing up what Carter and others had said. That it was Seth's choice to make, nothing for me to worry about. But, of course, it was. â€Å"No,† I said. â€Å"I can't. Please, Seth. Don't do this. Don't look at me like that. I love you too – so, so much. But we can't do this. I'm telling you, you just need to have sex. Go out and find someone – anyone. It doesn't matter. I don't care. It'll fix all this and make it easier for us to go on.† â€Å"You would care,† he said, voice deadly calm. â€Å"You say you wouldn't, but you would.† â€Å"Not if it protects you.† â€Å"Protecting me doesn't matter.† â€Å"Damn it, it does!† I yelled, lunging forward. I drove my fists – lightly – into his chest, and all the emotion that had been building up throughout this argument suddenly burst out. â€Å"Don't you get it? I have to protect you! If anything happens to you – if I'm responsible for anything happening to you – it will kill me. It. Will. Kill. Me. I can't handle that. I can't handle anything happening to you. It will kill me!† I stopped my yelling and met Seth's eyes. Neither of us said anything. And as he stared down at me, I knew what he was thinking. Because I was thinking exactly the same thing. I had just given voice to what Hugh had said, what Seth had been worried about. In my outburst, I'd changed the balance of risk. It wasn't about Seth hurting. It was about me hurting. Gently, he reached out and caught my wrists. He removed them from his chest and let go. Backing up, still not speaking, he picked up his clothes and began dressing. I stayed where I was, naked and frozen. â€Å"Seth†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I said slowly. â€Å"I didn't mean it.† â€Å"It's okay, Thetis,† he said, fastening his pants and not meeting my eyes. â€Å"I understand. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I pushed you.† â€Å"No, no†¦it's not†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It's okay,† he repeated. His voice was so, so neutral. So, so steady. It wasn't natural. â€Å"Really. But I think I need to go. I think it's better for both of us, and God only knows you have enough going on without me to worry about.† I felt tears starting to fill my eyes. â€Å"I didn't mean†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I know what you meant,† he said. He straightened his shirt and finally looked at me. â€Å"But seriously†¦I should leave. We'll talk†¦I don't know. We'll talk later.† He held out his hand, like he might touch my cheek, and then let it drop. With another sigh, he said good-bye and left. I stood exactly where I was, still not moving. My heart felt like it had just had acid thrown on it. It was burning and raw. Finally, finally, it all caught up with me. My knees gave out, and I sank to the floor. It was cold and hard against my bare skin. I drew my knees up to me and buried my face in them, wondering what I had done. Part of me screamed to go follow him, to beg him to come back, to tell him we could make love and have everything we had ever wanted. Another part, half-reason and half-pride, held me back. It was that same part that had stopped me from going after Andrew that day back in the garden after we'd fought about the Black Death. I'd let him go and gone out of my way to avoid him after that. When the plague finally came to our town, my bishop was one of the first to leave. I went with him and the rest of our household. Just like in The Masque of the Red Death, there was no true place to hide from sickness. Still, some places were better than others, and my bishop took care to keep to the better places. He survived. Months went by, and stories and rumors trickled in about the town we'd lived in. By that point, I'd grown weary of Geoffrey and decided it was time for me to move on. I got permission from my archdemon for a transfer to Florence and sneaked out of Geoffrey's house one night to make the long journey. Our old town was along the way, and a week later, I passed through it. A plague town wasn't quite like what modern people might imagine. It wasn't as though there were piles of bodies lying in the streets or anything. Not always. After all, Europe had survived the Black Death in the end, and civilization had still functioned through the worst of it. Crops were still grown, houses still built, babies still born. But the town seemed quieter and more melancholy than when I'd lived there. Andrew wasn't at the church when I stopped by, and an old man tending the grounds told me that Andrew was off helping some of his parishioners in one of the poorer districts. I found him there, inside the home of a brewer. The brewer had a large family – eight children – as well as a couple of brothers living with him. The house was small and cramped and filthy. Everyone in it was sick except for the brewer's wife who wearily tried to help Andrew take care of her family. â€Å"Cecily?† he asked in astonishment when he saw me. He was kneeling by a teenage boy. Something inside my chest blossomed with both joy and relief. Andrew was alive. He'd stayed, fought disease, and won. I strode forward and knelt beside him. The wife, giving water to a small girl, watched me uneasily. I wasn't in silk or anything, but I was clearly from a different class than theirs, and she didn't entirely know how to treat me. â€Å"You're alive,† I breathed. â€Å"I've been so worried. So worried I'd never see you again.† He smiled that gentle smile of his, and I saw more lines around his eyes than I'd seen before. â€Å"God didn't want to separate us quite yet,† he said. I looked down at the boy. I'd figured Andrew was feeding him or something, but I realized then that the priest was actually giving him last rites. The boy wore no shirt, and I could see on his neck and in his armpits the tell-tale dark pustules that had given the plague its name. The plague usually did what it was going to do in about a week, but from his emaciated look, you would have thought he'd been dying for years. His eyes were fever-bright, and I didn't know if he even knew we were there. Bile rose in my throat, and I averted my eyes. Standing up, I told Andrew, â€Å"I'll let†¦I'll let you finish this and wait outside.† I left the house, going out to where it was warm and things weren't dying. A while later, Andrew found me. I didn't ask if the boy was still alive. Instead, I said, â€Å"How many of them live? Out of all the ones you stay and risk your life for, how many of them actually survive?† He shrugged. â€Å"Three-quarters. Sometimes half, if they're very young or very old.† â€Å"Half,† I repeated flatly. â€Å"That's not very good.† â€Å"If one more person lives because of me, then that's very good.† I looked at that confident, serene face and sighed. â€Å"You're so damned frustrating.† He smiled. I sighed again. â€Å"What can I do to help?† The smile disappeared. â€Å"Don't make light of this, Cecily.† â€Å"I'm not. Tell me what to do.† And that was how I found myself playing nurse in a small town in backwoods England. Honestly, there wasn't anything glamorous one could do to fight the plague. It was all about basics, keeping the people clean and supplied with as much food and water as they could take in. The rest was in the hands of their immune system and – if you believed Andrew – God. When my patients began declining past the point of no return, I usually stopped helping. I couldn't stand to watch and left them to Andrew and his prayers. But sometimes I'd see people come back around, people whom I'd given up on, and then I could almost believe there was a higher power at work. At least, I believed that until Andrew got sick. It started slowly at first, a fever and aches, but we both knew what that meant. He ignored it and kept working until the symptoms began compounding. Finally, he couldn't fight it. Neglecting my other patients, I devoted myself fully to him. â€Å"You should help others,† he told me one day. His skin was pink and blotchy, and he was starting to get the dark spots around his lymph glands. Through all the sickness and fatigue, he was still beautiful to me. â€Å"Don't worry about me.† â€Å"I have to worry about you. No one else is.† It was true. Andrew had helped so many, but no one had come to his side, despite the fact that plague survivors tended not to catch it again. â€Å"It doesn't matter,† Andrew told me, voice frail. â€Å"I'm glad they've survived.† â€Å"You will too,† I said obstinately, even though the signs were starting to suggest otherwise. â€Å"You have to go on so you can keep doing your annoying good works.† He managed a smile. â€Å"I hope so, but I think my time in this world may be drawing to a close. You, though†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He looked at me – truly looked at me – and I was astonished at the love I saw there. I knew he'd been attracted to me, but I'd never expected this. â€Å"You, Cecily†¦you won't get sick. You will go on, strong and healthy and beautiful. I can feel it. God loves you.† â€Å"No,† I said sadly. â€Å"God hates me. That's why he lets me keep living.† â€Å"God only gives us tasks he knows we can handle. Here, take this.† He touched the gold cross around his neck, but he was too weak to take it off. â€Å"Take it when I'm gone.† â€Å"No, Andrew, you won't – â€Å" â€Å"Take it,† he repeated in as firm a voice as he could manage. â€Å"Take it, and whenever you see it, remember that God loves you and knows that no tragedy you face is ever too much for you to bear. You are strong. You will endure.† Hot tears spilled down my cheeks. â€Å"You shouldn't have done this,† I told him. â€Å"You shouldn't have helped them. You would've lived if you hadn't.† He shook his head. â€Å"Yes, but then I wouldn't have been able to live with myself.† Andrew lingered a few more days after that. I stayed with him, but every moment of it was agony. I hated watching what happened to him and was more convinced than ever that there really was no benevolent power looking after humans. He died peacefully and quietly, much as he'd lived. Another priest came to administer last rites when it happened, and Andrew's final conscious moments reflected hope and absolute faith in what would come next. I stayed to make sure the funeral arrangements were taken care of, not that there was much fanfare or anything. There were no viewings or fancy funeral halls in those days – at least not for men like him. I soon left England for the continent, and after a while, the pain of his death began to take on a new form. Oh, I still missed him – still burned and ached and felt like part of me had been ripped away. But added to that, guilt was starting to create a pain of its own. I felt like I should have taken better care of him. I should have insisted on him leaving with me when the plague came. Or maybe I should have gotten my hands dirtier while helping him tend the sick; it might have kept him away from whomever had infected him. Florence was a beautiful city, on the verge of the Renaissance when I got there. Yet even while living amongst all that splendor and art, Andrew's death tormented me for many years, the pain of guilt and missing him digging into my heart. It never entirely went away, but it did lessen – it just took a really, really long time. As Hugh had said, a long life simply means having more time to mourn.

This Blessed House

For example, In today's society we can clearly see that there are many objects geared towards men that are not geared towards women and vice versa. Earrings is an example of this About half of the United States population wear earrings. From day to day I see men,women, teenagers and even babies wearing them, and it is clear to see that some are made for women and not made for men. The earring itself can be used to define a persons sexuality; wearing certain types of earrings could affect the way society looks at you. The general public is programmed to believe objects are gendered.Without these preconceived beliefs objects would Just be objects and would not be used as a determination of human characteristics. From the readings that were assigned from my Gender Women's Studies class and my personal experiences, I learned that objects can be gendered by color, shape, size, and even texture. This lead me to the conclusion that objects have no meaning until society gives it an irrelevan t and often sexist generalized meaning. Gender can come unexpected at any time in life. The situation is that you have to know how to handle it when it sneaks up on you, like it did me.I went to Walter one day, going to look for a pair of earrings, I was stuck in the isle for a while, contemplating on which pair of earrings I should buy. I was torn between two similar types of earrings. Although they were different prices I was still cautious on Just buying the less expensive pair. One pair were studs that had pink rhinestones on It and It was medium sized, while the other pair was less expensive and was also some studs that were medium sized as well. Pasting back and forth in the isle for almost an hour. I decided to call over a consultant.This person was a male employee I ask him which pair of earrings did he prefer to buy and he said the pair that was the cheapest. I was very stunned that he chose the cheaper pair because those were the ones that had the pink rhinestones embedded in them. Thanking him for his assistance and moving on to ask a female consultant about which pair would she prefer to buy and she pick the pair that looked the best and also the pair that happened to be much more expensive. However, after getting their advice I was still puzzled about which pair to buy because I had gotten two totally different opinions.Deciding not to buy any pair, I went home and thought about why was It so difficult for me to choose a simple pair of earrings. It finally donned on me that men and women were confronted with different obstacles. Men are constrained by things that women are not constrained by and women are constrained Day tongs Tanat men are not constrained Day. History Itself shows this For example, women are expected to be the homemaker and the nurturer in contrast with men who are expected to be the bread winners. Americans have been programmed so well that their beliefs become innate. Its similar to Pavlov's experiment with the salivating dogs. He would ring the bell whenever it was time for the dogs to eat and the dogs became so used to it that they would start to salivate whenever they heard the bell ring because they knew it was time to eat. Humans have been trained the same way. We have been programmed since birth to follow these ideals. Even newborn babies are dressed in either blue or pink blankets to display their gender. Courageousness becomes a sign of femininity and muscularity becomes a sign of masculinity. Humans becomes so well trained that muscular or on-curvaceous women are considered to be unfeminine and less attractive to men.The ideals set by society start to control are beliefs and in turn start to control are actions. While sitting at home I stumbled across a book entitled, Introduction to Women's Studies, written by Internal Grew and Careen Kaplan; it had several articles relating to the roles of men and women in human society. There was an article called â€Å"Gender and Consumption,† composed by Bruce Babcock, and it spoke about how men were the production; the ones who produce the money and the women were the consumption; aid to spend up all the money.There was a part in the article where is stated that â€Å"Production was active, led men earning money, and provided them with some form of power exercised through newly created trade unions, for instance† (329). However, it also implied that â€Å"Consumption was more passive, involved spending money, and did not lead to any publicly recognizable forms of power† (329). After reading this article, it had me thinking about the pair of earrings that I left in Walter It left me with the question of what makes men and women different. Men do not care about assign, but when they do it seems that they are categorized as being gay.In this case the government has manipulated the citizen's minds in society to have them think that certain looks are only for certain types of people. But most times men tend to Just buy what every appeals to them the greatest. This is why the male employee chose the cheap pair of earrings, not because he liked pink, but because they were cheaper. Women on the other hand are expected to like more expensive things, so society would refer to them as â€Å"gold diggers. † A lot of advertisers target women cause they know how to manipulate women into buying the most expensive merchandise.A piece called, â€Å"On Gender and Things,† by Newly Dishonor is located in the Gender Women's Studies reader. What Dishonor expresses in this piece is that â€Å"objects can become gendered because innovators anticipate the preferences, motives, tastes, and skills of the potential users, and the cultural norms in society at large† (Reader:65). Dishonor also implies that, â€Å"due to the norms values that are inscribed into a technical artifact, objects can attribute and delegate specific roles, actions, and responsibilities to their users† (Reader:65).Anot her article in this book, called, â€Å"Woman is an Island,† written by Judith Williamson, sells a product, which is pond's cream cocoa butter, and it is made for women only. This product and the earring is related to one another by directing their viewing to a specific audience. For example, in the text of the article, it says that it is meant Tort women to prove teen wilt n ten smoothest Ana sorest silk ever. As Tort a certain type of earring, like the hoop for example, is meant for women only.Men were not looked at in this case because they are looks as being masculine, which means that it is mandatory for their skin to be so called â€Å"rough. † Well, that is what the government says, and the society Just feeds in on this nonsense. For instance, in the article it states that, â€Å"with colonial economies as with the family, capitalism feeds on different value systems and takes control of them, while nourishing their symbolic differences from itself† (314). This again leads me back to earrings because earring type wore can also be based on culture.I wonder if the consultants at Walter knew that the earrings were gendered and that each pair was meant for a man and a women I believe that things like this often go unnoticed. We often fail to notice the sexism involved in the things we do not even realize we believe in. In this 21st century, femininity and masculinity is greatly support by what the government proclaims. Humans constantly let society define what they believe This can all be seen through a simple pair of earrings. Objects are just objects you ultimately decide what they mean for you; they do not have meaning unless you give them meaning.