Who/what is the most to blame for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Essay Example

Who/what is the most to blame for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Essay Romeo and Juliet has been described as one of the greatest love tragedies in play history. It is filled with strong emotions and views, tension, action, violence, humour and most of all love, that binds the star-crossd lovers together. A wondrous play which captured the Elizabethans attention and for generations to come. In this essay, I hope to explore the play and see what or who is the main cause of this catastrophic love story.Before the first scene begins, the chorus tells us what is to be expected in the play. A pair of star-crossd lovers take their life; whose misadventurd piteous overthrows, Doth with their death bury their parents strife. The star-crossd lovers mean that Romeo and Juliets love is to be hindered, because of the stars, that causes them to have bad luck in their relationship. This is described as misadventurd piteous overthrows where someone or something has been a victim of something that theyre innocent in, we feel pity for them, we can call this a tragedy. This prologue has basically told what the plot is, but as most would do in the Elizabethan period, they wouldnt be attentive at the start, especially if theres just a man standing on the stage rambling on, they need action, which is what the first scene provides.In Act 1, scene 4, Romeo changes his mind and decides going to the Capulets banquet is not a good idea after all. He says, I fear, too early; for my mind misgives, some consequence yet hanging in the stars. Here Romeo has an omen of what to come. He feels that if he goes in there, something bad will happen. Meeting Juliet is a good thing, but also a bad thing, because it leads to their deaths. Shakespeare probably talked a lot about fate and superstitions in his plays, as the Elizabethans were superstitious and therefore in his plays it gave it that extra credit, to make the audience feel more interested. When Romeo leaves the banquet, Juliet says, If he be married. My grave is like to be my wedding bed, meaning if Romeo is married, shell die unmarried, as she wont want to marry no other. Here we see a foreshadowment, because her grave does become her wedding bed.In Act 2 scene 6, Romeo says; Then love-devouring death do what he dare: It is enough I may but call her mine Here Romeo is challenging fate, which he does a few times throughout the play. Is it een so? Then I deny you stars, Fate does play a large part to blame for this tragedy. At the end before Romeo kills himself, he says, O here, will I set up my everlasting rest: and shake the yoke of inauspicious stars, Here he is taking his chances on death. He is to be at peace when he dies, he will be free from the doom of his fate in the stars.Romeo cries; Oh I am fortunes fool, He feels as though his life is just being played around with. When Romeo finds out Mercutio is dead, he says, This days black fate on more days doth depend; this but begins the woe, others must end. Romeo knows he has reached a point of no return. He will fight Tybalt to ga in revenge, but he knows that wont be the end of anything.You could say that the messenger not getting to Romeo on time, therefore the layout of the plan doesnt get to him, could be a stroke of bad luck. It was fate that stopped that from happening. Romeo not knowing what the plan is thinks Juliet is dead and leads him to commit suicide.Juliet also mentions about fate and fortune being involved in her life. Me think I see thee nowas one dead in the bottomeither my eyesight fails She here is having a premonition of his death. She then goes on to say after Romeo is gone, O fortune, Fortune, all men call thee fickle, Here she is talking to fortune, saying that Romeo is renowned for his faithfulness and that faithless fortune should leave him alone. Juliet is hoping that fickle fortune should leave him alone, but she is also hoping that it will bring her Romeo back.The main characters each are responsible for intervening in this tragedy, which might not have been, if they had not each d one what they did. Romeo, his character is very headstrong, where his head rules him. With loves light wings did I oer-perch these walls, Romeo, and in the next line, he is saying that with love he is invincible! When Juliet asks him how he found her, he replies, By love, who first did prompt me to inquire; He lent me counsel a1nd I lent him eyes. Saying it was love who told him to go and find Juliet and in return for that, he gives love his eyes to find her.In the play at the beginning, Romeo appears to be very immature and does not yet know of true love, as one minute he was weeping for Rosaline and the next it was for Juliet in a matter of seconds. Did my heart love till now? For swear it, sight! For I neer saw true beauty till this night, which is a quick change of heart. Before he goes into the Capulets feast, he tells Benvolio, that he cannot compare any other with Rosaline, When the devout religion of mine eye, maintains such falsehood, then turns tears to fires, and that h is eyes would be lying if there was such another beauty as Rosaline. This shows that Romeos love for Rosaline was a petit crushWhen Romeo tells the Friar that he has a new love, the Friar is shocked and doubts Romeo know what love is. Young mens love then lies, not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes. He criticises Romeo for his sudden change in heart. Even though these are all flaws in Romeos character for being too easy to change his mind, Romeo is still a benevolent person. When he kills Paris, Paris asks if he could be laid next his dead wife, even though Romeo loathed Pairs, he still carried out Paris request and respected him. If Romeo didnt want to go to the feast and he had a gut feeling about this, then why did he go in the end? Perhaps he didnt mean what he said and in fact was eager to go the party?Juliet is still yet young and like any other young teenage girl dreams of marriage and falls in love easily. She rushes into marriage very quickly, though it seems quite ironic, as at first she says to Romeo in Act 2 Scene 2, It is too rash, too unadvisd, too sudden, but later on she says, Thy purpose marriage, send me word to-morrow, Romeo and her only met about two hours ago, they hardly know anything about each other, and shes already proposing marriage! This can also link onto how speed plays a part of her and Romeos death.The play happens in such a short space of time, the events within in it occur quickly, e.g. Capulet decides to have a feast with only one days preparation. He also decides to marry Juliet in the matter of 2 days. Romeo and Juliet marry each other within a day of meeting. Perhaps if things had slowed down and were more thought about, then the consequences of Romeo and Juliets actions may not have been so fatal. As Friar Laurence suggested, Wisely and slow they stumble that run fast after he marries them, giving them a bit of advice.Friar Laurence thinks that Romeo is rushing into things, with regards to marrying Juliet. He d oesnt think that Romeo could understand what love truly is, if he can stop loving one person for another in a matter of moments. In Friar Laurences first soliloquy, he compares the plants to humans. He also says, virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied; And vice sometimes by action dignified. He is saying that too much of a good thing can be dangerous and a bad thing can be used for the good. This is like a foreshadowment of the whole play. Romeo and Juliet fall in love and it causes their death, but their death brings the feud between the Capulets and Montagues to an end. Friar Laurence is reluctant at the start to marry Romeo and Juliet, but then he says, In one respect, Ill thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove, to turn your households rancour to pure love.He thinks he should play a bit of match making and marry these two to end the feud. If he did not agree to marry them so quickly, then they would have slowed down, they might not have died. Though he does advises Romeo a lot, he acts like a father figure to him. He tries to talk sense into him, just before he is to be married. There violent delights have violent end He is saying that he shouldnt rush into things. The love wont last. He left Juliet at the tomb at her funeral, maybe if he had not left, she wouldnt have killed herself, he couldve stopped her, Come go good Juliet, I dare no longer stay. He probably left, scared of being found out, feeling ashamed and guilty.For Juliet, the nurse is her mother figure She knows Juliet even better than her own mother, Lady Capulet. She even has nicknames for her, What lamb, what ladybird, which shows how close her relationship with Juliet is. The nurse is part of the family, shes been there for a long time. She advises Juliet on what to do and lies for her, but when Juliets parents announces, that Juliet is to be married, the nurse tells Juliet, I think it best you be married with the County, O hes a lovely gentlemanI think you are happy in this second match, Juliet cannot believe whats shes hearing and asks, Speakest thou from thy heart: and the nurse says she does. As no one agrees with her and sides with her, she pretends to agree and play along with her fathers will. When the nurse leaves, shes says to herself, Ancient damnation, O most wicked fiend, and feels betrayed by the nurse who probably did it because she didnt want to lose her job and be blamed for it.You could say that Mercutio and his rivalry between Tybalt helped Romeo and Juliet come to their deaths. Tybalt is the main stirrer of the feud, if he had controlled his rage, then Romeo wouldnt need to kill him. Its quite ironic how Mercutio criticises Benvolio of being a quarreller when hes the one who picked a fight with Tybalt later on in the play. Thy head is full of quarrels then he later says to Tybalt, heres my fiddlestick, heres that shall make you dance: zounds consort. Mercutios character is very head-strong, you could say that the heat made hi m more easily irritated, For now these hot days, is the mad blood stirring When he is stabbed he says, I am hurt. A plague oboth your houses! I am sped. Is he gone and hath nothing? He feels that he has wasted his life and that dying for neither house is worth it and Tybalt goes away without a scratch. Mercutio casts a curse on both houses, he repeats this phrase, a plague oboth your houses, three times, which was considered in the Elizabethan era to be a dead mans curse. This could be a reason why Romeo and Juliet had no luck through out the rest of the play.The parents have a part to blame you could argue. Theyre the ones, you could say who have pushed them to their death ever since day one. Romeos parents dont really contribute much to his death, except for their part in the family feud. But it is mainly Juliets parents who force her to marry Paris. At the beginning of the play, when Paris asks Capulet for Juliets hand in marriage, Capulet says shes too young, he says that Julie t is his only child, therefore the heiress to all his fortunes. He tells Paris to flirt with her and try his best in attempt to gain her love, but he says, My will to her consent is but a part which means even if he does agree to the marriage, Juliet is the one with the final say.But later on in the play, he has a sudden change of heart. I think she will be ruld, in all respects by me: I doubt it not. And hurries his wife to inform Juliet about it. He is now saying that Juliet will listen to him and do what she is told, which is a whole different attitude as to the beginning. Notice that he says, Acquaint which means tell and not ask. He now considers Juliets love can be given to anyone he likes.Lady Capulet goes to bring the news to Juliet. You can tell by how Juliet addresses her mother as Madam rather than mother, this shows how their relationship isnt that strong. When Capulet comes to see how Juliet has reacted to the news. Lady Capulet says, Ay, sir; but she will none, she gives you thanks. I would the fool were married to her grave! Which is ironic as that is what happened in the end. Capulet puts pressure on Juliet,And you be not, hang, beg, starve, die in the streets, So it is making Juliet have no choice, but to marry Paris otherwise shell be thrown out. Lady Capulet then says, Do as thou wilt, for I have done with thee. Shes had enough and Juliet has no choice or say in her life. In the end Juliet pretends to agree with the marriage and her parents are delighted. Capulet even moves the wedding to Wednesday instead of Thursday. Yes, her parents are threatening and forcing her into marriage, but you could say that, like most parents, they want whats best for their children. If only they hadnt forced Juliet to marry Paris, then, she wouldnt have to have faked her own death.From the prologue, we know that there is a feud going on, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean as the chorus tells us. The feud between the two households has been going o n for along time. When the Prince comes in at the beginning to stop the street fight, he says, Rebellious subjects enemies to peacethree civil brawls of bred of an airy word, By thee old Capulet and Montague. The Prince is sick and tired of this war, that he commands that there will be no more fights between them, otherwise theyll have to face severe punishments.At the end of the play, when they discover Romeo and Juliet have both died, the Prince says, Capulet! Montague! See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, That heaven finds means to kill you joys with love So the Friars thinking, of how Romeo and Juliets love could end the feud, was true, it did. Though it had to take the lives of two innocent beings for them to finally shake hands and make peace. Montague says at the end he will make a golden statue for Juliet and Capulet will do the same for Romeo.Overall, I think that all that I have mentioned above has played a fair share in the tragedy, but I think perhaps, that fate a nd fortune and the whole feud itself are probably the main causes for Romeo and Juliets deaths. If the feud had not been going on between the two families, then Romeo and Juliet would not need to have gone through with the things they did, and throughout the play, little went right for them, luck didnt seem to be on their side. The play ends, with the Prince saying, A glooming peace this morning with it brings, the Sun for sorrow will not show his head:Some shall be pardond, and some punished. For never was a story of more woe, Than this of Juliet and her Romeo. This ends the play quite well, it ends with a rhyming couplet, woe and Romeo. The Prince is saying, Look what has been done, the sun will not come out, as it is weeping for Romeo and Juliet, some of you will be forgiven, but others will be punished, this story was a moving one and though good came out of it in the end, it is still a story of despair.

Stephen Douglas

Stephen Douglas Stephen Douglas was an influential senator from Illinois who became one of the powerful politicians in America during the decade preceding the Civil War. He was involved in major legislation, including the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act, and was Abraham Lincolns opponent in a landmark series of political debates in 1858. Douglas ran for president against Lincoln in the election of 1860, and died the following year, just as the Civil War was beginning. And while he is remembered mostly for having been a perennial opponent of Lincoln, his influence on American political life in the 1850s was profound. Early Life Stephen Douglas was born into a well-educated New England family, though Stephens life was changed profoundly when his father, a doctor, died suddenly when Stephen was two months old. As a teenager Stephen was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker so he would learn a trade, and he hated the work. The election of 1828, when Andrew Jackson defeated the reelection bid of John Quincy Adams, fascinated the 15-year-old Douglas. He adopted Jackson as his personal hero. The education requirements for being a lawyer were considerably less stringent in the west, so Douglas, at the age of 20, set out westward from his home in upstate New York. He eventually settled in Illinois, and trained with a local lawyer and became qualified to practice law in Illinois just before his 21st birthday. Political Career Douglass rise in Illinois politics was sudden, a great contrast to the man who would always be his rival, Abraham Lincoln. In Washington, Douglas became known as a tireless worker and crafty political strategist. After being elected to the Senate he took a place on the very powerful Committee on the Territories, and he made sure he was involved in critical decisions involving western territories and new states that may come into the Union. With the exception of the famed Lincoln-Douglas debates, Douglas is best known for his work on the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Douglas thought the legislation might lessen tensions over slavery. In fact, it had the opposite effect. Rivalry With Lincoln The Kansas-Nebraska Act spurred Abraham Lincoln, who had put aside political ambitions, to oppose Douglas. In 1858 Lincoln ran for the US Senate seat held by Douglas, and they faced off in a series of seven debates. The debates were actually quite nasty at times. At one point, Douglas made up a story designed to inflame the crowd, claiming that the famed abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglas had been seen in Illinois, traveling the state in a carriage in the company of two white women. While Lincoln may have been considered the victor of the debates in the view of history, Douglas won the 1858 senatorial election. He ran against Lincoln in a four-way race for president in 1860, and of course Lincoln won. Douglas threw his support behind Lincoln in the earliest days of the Civil War, but died soon after. While Douglas is most often remembered as a rival of Lincoln, someone who antagonized and inspired him, during most of their lives Douglas was far more famous and was considered more successful and powerful.

Amateur radio

Amateur radio   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If regular communications were knocked out, Amateur Radio would be there to step in! Amateur Radio connects people in times of need during emergencies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To start one’s adventure into Amateur Radio, one needs to obtain a license. There is a test required by the FCC in order to obtain a license which one needs to operate an Amateur Radio (H10). Only licensed amateurs can operate an Amateur Radio station (BARTLETT). Amateurs have to go through the different levels of licenses, which go from technician to general then to extra (HARING). With each step, they get more privilages and frequencies. Past exam questions included equipment, regulations, and morse code, all of which were dropped (HAMILTON). Now Amateur Radio is growing at a rate of 10% a year (HAMILTON). Amateur radio is growing with the new generation as well. â€Å"Amateur Radio not just meant for old folks. The Amateur Community want to see a new g eneration of men and women try Amateur Radio,† said Don Montgomery (CONRAD). Test and study materials add up to usually $40 (H11).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Amateur Radio is getting more and more in-sync with new technology and computers. Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) uses Global Positioning System with Amateur Radio to remotely track Amateurs’ movements and reports them to the APRS website (H11). All one needs to use APRS is a GPS and an Amateur Radio (H11). Anyone can go online to the APRS website to see where amateurs are at, anytime of the day. Amateurs also use APRS for use with Geocaching (H11). Geocaching is a scavenger hunt where people use a GPS unit to find treasures outside (H11). Echolink can be used as an alternative to equipment. Echolink is a software program, which hams can use to listen to and transmit audio over the Internet (H10). Echolink works by using a computer and Internet connection with a radio to listen to the repeater, an d to constantly transmit audio over the Internet via Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology to the end-user (H12). The same happens in reverse, when an end-user transmits they use VOIP technology to get to the computer, and the computer transmits audio to the radio, which the radio transmits audio to the repeater. With Echolink, licensed operators can get on other repeaters and listen and transmit on them as well (H12). There are conferences which are groups that can handle large amounts of users. These are server-based groups that are basically a middle-man or main group which people, links, repeaters, or other conferences can connect to (H12). Internet Radio Link Project (IRLP) is almost exactly like Echolink, except that it is made mainly for connecting only repeaters to repeaters via VOIP, and not for desktop clients (H10). Logging ones contacts for a record is important as well. There also is logging software which can log stations that amateurs have made contact with ( H10). Mostly logging is used with High Frequencies (HF) because of contesting. It is an easy way to keep track of one’s data to send QSLs to (H10). Amateurs may also use an online log book, called Log Book of the World (LBW). This is useful for contacts that are in other countries (H10). If an amateur were to send QSL postcards to everyone whom they have had contact with in other countries, it would get really expensive, really fast (H10).

Coca-Cola Brand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Coca-Cola Brand - Essay Example Target customers could be reached by offering the product that is packaged in can, to the manufacturers of sporting goods, gasoline stations, organizers of big sporting events, club wears, clubs and discos and clubs. b. Names of customer segments. These are the sportsmen, athletes, casual sports drinkers, lifestyle users, recreational users, teenagers, long distance drivers, night time workers and variety seekers who would like to experiment a new taste of drink. The market place of US, Western Europe, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Mexico and Latin America have been chosen because, Coke has established a foothold in terms of market position in these areas. (Sami,Ullah, Khan). Launching of a new product will not cost too much in terms of publicity, PR and advertising Coke has been known for its quality product. Dealers will be encouraged to stock up with the product to increases sales, profitability and growth. Potential customers will be interested with PowerAde because of the belief that the product will give them the energy they need and that they trust that the product will look after his/her health, so that they can have all the fun they want without worrying for their health. As an energy drink, consumers buy them because they need it for their work. d. What kind of differentiated marketing strategy you will use to reach the target market? PowerAde will come in the form of cans. As an energy drink, it has a clear purpose that will differentiate it with other drinks. It can also be offered as an advertising media itself, by making a tie-up with promotion of events. For instance, the PowerAde in can may promote Olympic events, Milo marathon, Disney movie, car racing and big sports events that will attract

Personal Sales Letter Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sales Letter - Personal Statement Example The offer will also not incur any training costs and will also minimize the work of your staff. Most of the setup will be done by our company to assure the lower costs of setup. Even if you are not using Jonas or any club system, even then the overall subscription fee will be lower. Fifty percent of your calls will be attended by a technician immediately. The offer will benefit both sides as we want to earn as well as to keep your business going. My experience with your club tells that the management makes the overall work hectic and it also costs a lot to you. The management also frustrates the staff as well. IBS has already replaced other management softwares in about 1400 other clubs among which is the popular medinah country club. IBS is famous for its best support and training. So you also don’t have to worry about training your staff. In addition to that, the software is very easy to understand and it will be running among your staff as they are already familiar with com puterized management before. I am also familiar with the skills that your staff possesses and they will easily cope up with this new environment. To answer any of your queries, I will call you in a few days but please do call me any time if you want to ask anything. Looking forward for your positive response. Regards, Gyda.

Human Services Essay Example for Free

Human Services Essay The book, â€Å"Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus† by John Gray, generally, explores the claim that men and women are different and it is this difference that makes relationships fail and/or succeed. Using an allegorical backdrop, he presented his hypothesis by narrating how men originally was from Mars, where, they value success, titles and positions and how women originally was from Venus, where they value relationships, communication and empathy. At a particular point, lives on both planets became meaningless until a Martian glimpsed a Venetian and the Venetians felt loved and cherished, thus, they fitted the gap missing in their lives and opted to live on earth. This story was carefully enhanced as each personality is explored, taking into account their background, their reactions, feelings, expectations as well as coping mechanisms. I can see how positive Gray is, in pursuing his claim, presenting the facts, examples as well as possibilities of the situation. I can also say that most of his concepts are true – that women are indeed very â€Å"emotional† and that men are very â€Å"logical†. On the other hand, this will only be applicable for couples who are willing to make a relationship work. I do not think this will work effectively in a relationship where, let’s say, the man does not understand how a woman think or where a man does not know that women are like â€Å"tides†. I think in the end, women are still going to give – that they will still be â€Å"trapped† in such situation where they have no choice but to give and obliged to understand men. In a way, I don’t like the idea that men fill in the void the women feel when they encounter their down moments. I don’t like the idea that a Venetian is in need of a Martian. Perhaps, I’m just in a rebellious state that I feel that way but I never liked the idea that a woman can’t live without a man in her life. I believe that women are able and are very capable to sustain a living. Such that if a woman is being beaten by her husband, or if a woman is being abused, or if a man validates his vices as a coping mechanism when he is in his cave, the woman has every right to fight back or even leave her husband. She shouldn’t disregard her needs as a woman just because she is waiting for her husband to come out of his cave or have his rubber band pulled back. She shouldn’t let anybody step over her boundaries just because she is naturally, understanding. In the field of human services, the information about men and women will greatly help in dealing with people. It’s hard to separately discuss how acting out, catharsis and repression is related to concepts mentioned in the book so I will be citing possible examples instead. In cases of teenage drug abuse, it is important to trace how it started, or particularly, why it did. Getting these people to talk, be it a man or a woman is never easy. For one, their current coping mechanism may be a result of continuous nurturing of repressed emotions. While time is a big element in these types of situation, using Gray’s concepts teach us to allow them space until they are ready to discuss their issues. Force rarely works in these scenarios, nor is immediate rehabilitation. For youngsters, parents’ participation in this process is very crucial as children may have repressed emotions that need attention. Parents should be educated on â€Å"how to listen† while children will have to be â€Å"advised† on how to â€Å"accept† or â€Å"communicate. † For adults, one’s behavior or treatment greatly matters. Gray’s notes on how to motivate a man or a woman, or encourage them to talk will help in these types of scenarios. In child abuse or rape cases, they say it’s far easier to assign a woman to interview the victims. This is true, because women in general, know how to empathize with the victims as well as understand the situation. Men, normally, try to put on their â€Å"Mr. Fix It Personality† to help a victim feel better – which rarely works and usually pushes the victims into their own comfort zones – choosing not to talk, instead. Gray’s notes on how to make people talk starts from the very basic – being silent and being ready at any time to accommodate the victim. In dealing with the elderly or senior citizens, it will be very different. The provider has to understand that not only does gender matter here but also the psychosocial stage a person is in. Dealing with senior citizens do not constitute a relational aspect, some may even feel insulted if you try to look at it in that perspective. Gray’s ideas in considering the person’s culture (or background) and understanding the person’s individuality (gender and personality) will help in making such relationship fruitful and successful. Health services may seem very specific and require lesser attention or relational aspect. This is true. In a manner of speaking, health provided is based on the results of a test or exam conducted/surveyed on a specific community. On the other hand, some people may refuse to accept help or decline it outright; thinking that they don’t need it or their pride has been insulted. Thus, it is important for health providers to be relational, helping people understand the benefits of the help being provided so that it can be accepted more freely. Imagine, how you can convince a tribe or group to accept vaccine if they had been practicing herbal medicine all throughout their lives? Or how you can convince a community to take advantage of vaccines when their families have opted not to take them for the longest period of time? Although, I believe this is very rare, Gray’s concepts will help a person get acquainted with his/her patients by merely taking into account how men and women vary in reacting to various factors. Knowing that Gray focused on how to make relationships work, it becomes easier to apply his concepts to something general, such as human services – where people deal with other people. Gray’s concepts may even be applied or associated to a group, for Martians did belong to one culture and Venetians belong to another, and very likely, together they share or may have built a different culture too. With this in mind, relating to others will become an everyday adventure, rather than a routinary assumption and prediction of behaviors. It will constitute facts and bases on how personalities can be so similar, yet so different.

Television in Iraq :: essays research papers fc

INTRODUCTION The birth of the television was originally introduced here, in the United States. The impact of this new technology was not only evident here in the US, but in other countries as well. In Iraq, television caused immediate changes, which in turn caused adjustments in everyday living. The benefits and negative impacts varied, but overall as in most other countries, television shapes the images and views of everything that is broadcasted. Television currently has taken the place of past leisure activities. Being informed of the news, sports, and global issues consisted of hearing it only through radio and prior to that just word of mouth. â€Å"People gathered around the TV set as they had gathered around the radio, much like their ancestors had gathered around campfire storytellers†(Schwab, 2004, p.3). With an objective to capture light in a series of lines and beams, the television was introduced as a product of moving images. With the help of several investors, Philip T. Farnsworth invented the television in the 1920’s. With help from others including Vladimar Zworkyn, John Baird, and Charles Jenkins, the television underwent many trials and tests before its final completion. In a collaborative effort the previously mentioned men worked to establish a way to broadcast pictures through the colors of black and white to its present color TV. Television images are portrayed simultaneously around the network.† Accurate timing of devices and split-second movements of cameras are the essentials of television operation† (Television Volume III, 1938, p.1). Currently the media plays a highly influential role that is evident amongst the citizens of Iraq. Some speak of the US in particular as having distorted views, focusing too much on tragedy. Currently the US media displays all of the negative activity due to the war and deducts the success of Iraq. â€Å"The introduction of the television shows progress†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.new car sales have skyrocketed in Iraq, along with newspapers, peaceful demonstrations and other signs of a political system that has replaced totalitarianism†(T. Roeder, The Gazette). According to the article, Iraqis critical media, television leaves out other positive progressions of the country, such as renovated schools and hospitals, in addition to repaired water and sewer systems. Perceptions about the war seem to be the highlight of the distorted view publicized on television currently. According the Asia Times, Fox news is criticized for its chauvinistic coverage in news. A survey was conducted and the results showed that 80% of viewers grasp at least one misperception, while CBS, CNN, and NBC followed (www.

Inside Islam notes Essay

Islam means Peace and Submission (The peace that comes from submission, the attention to God that comes from peace.) Allah Akbar means â€Å"God is great.† Sunni = 85% of Muslim population; Shia = 10%; Sufi less than 5% Islam is not only a religion of the Middle East: largest population of Muslims is in India. Largest Islamic country is Indonesia. Of same faith tradition as both Christians and Jews Muslims & Jews are both monotheistic, differ only on mainly messianic theology Places of worship differ yet can coexist; Spain fostered all three Abrahamic faiths during pre-Ferdinand and Isabella era (pre-1492) Part 2 of 9: Pre Muslim Mecca, Quraish tribe, Muhammad’s early years & first vision, Qur’an, 1st pillar shahadah, and start of 2nd pillar prayer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtFkhC7DIIo Muslims descended from Hagar and Ishmael, who fled to the desert Abraham, according to Muslim legend, built Ka’ba Quraysh tribe controlled Mecca as trading city. Later put icons and statues of various tribal Gods inside Ka’ba so Mecca would become even more important as a pilgrimage site. Muhammad was born several generations later in 570 AD into a wealthy family. His dad died, his grandfather sent him to live with trading caravans. As a young man he became a talented caravanier, married Khadijah Muhammad illiterate, so others recorded his recitations Qur’an means â€Å"recitation,† a mix of poetry, stories, admonitions, advice and warnings. Part 3 of 9: 2nd pillar (prayer) continued, Muhammad gains followers, conflict with Meccans, Hijra, to Ummayad dynasty; beginning of 3rd pillar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h4bcCSsc9A&NR=1 Muhammad gave sermons against polytheism to pilgrims arriving at the Ka’ba in Mecca; was persecuted by Quraish Muhammad had no strong political ally, few followers initially. Journeyed to Yathrib (later named Medina, â€Å"City of the Prophet†) to arbitrate dispute between city states. Became year 0 in Islamic calendar, 622 CE. Set up first Islamic community (Ummah) Meccans were enraged, attacked Medina to destroy Muslims. Battle of Badr, outnumbered by Meccans, yet Medinans won Muslims triumphed 630 AD Muslims returned to Mecca Cleansed Abraham’s sacred temple (Ka’ba) of idols of pilgrims, kept the Ka’ba (lit. â€Å"cube†) as the central expression of monotheism Offered Meccans freedom for peace, many converted Arab tribes came to pay tribute to Muhammad and convert Umayyads 1st dynasty 750 Within a century of Muhammad’s death Muslims controlled more land than the Roman Empire—Turkey to parts of China. Jews and Christians were exempt from conversion to Islam 3rd pillar: Charity is heavily emphasized in the Qur’an, even more than the subordinate status of women Part 4 of 9: 3rd pillar, charity, continued; 4th pillar, Ramadan, Abbasid dynasty; Crusades; Mongols: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKsm3O23Itg&NR=1 3rd Pillar: Charity: From everything you own you give 2.5% All money collected must be given to those in need One must follow the fast during the month of Ramadan as the 4th pillar Fast lasts from sunrise till sunset Exceptions are made for the sick, weak, children, and the mothers who are expecting It’s a time to intensify your efforts to build your relationship with God The festival of the great Eid (Lit. festival) of the breaking of the fast Shia split from the Sunni after the death of Hussein (680 AD) There was a discrepancy of how leaders should be put in place Shia believed that leaders should be direct descendants of Muhammad Sunni believed leaders should be elected democratically 8th century golden age in Iraq, Abbasid dynasty arose in Bagdad Abbasids valued learning, Greek philosophy and natural science. Algebra invented, decimals, exponents. Medicine developed, orthopedics, mental illness treatment, surgery. Crusades: Jerusalem is 3rd most sacred city for Muslims 1099: Christians slaughter 30k Muslims 1258 Genghis Khan’s grandson & his Mongols plundered Bagdad Part 5 of 9: Mongol era: 5th Pillar, Hajj; in Spain, interfaith cooperation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXWJDY8AsFo&feature=related The Mongol Khan becomes a Muslim, Lesser pilgrimage can be taken to Mecca at any time of the year (min 0:30) Hajj, the greater pilgrimage, occurs only once a year a. Ihram1 = 2 white cloths in which you will be buried are worn during Hajj, significance is equality, Ihram2 is also = peaceful demeanor to accept all as brothers & sisters. b. Ablution (ritual washing) leads to first stage: circumambulation 7 times God is the axis of one’s life c. 2nd step is to march between 2 hills representing Hagar’s search for water for Ismael; represents one’s struggle in life d. Next day they travel to the plain of Arafat. Pilgrims walk in quiet prayer confessing sins at Mount of Arafat. e. Next, to Mina to throw stones at 3 pillars representing Satan, sins are forgiven f. Last event prayer service at Ka’ba Muslim scholars preserved writings from hordes 711 CE: Muslims arrive at Gibraltar a. Called Moors, dwelled in Andalusia, cities of Cordoba & Seville b. Horticulture, math, navigation developed c. Muslim, Jewish & Christian scholars worked together became a source for the Renaissance Part 6 of 9: Spain, Ottoman Empire; place of women; Colonialism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6olUPtXRC6U&NR=1 Reconquista, Christian re-conquest of Spain expelling Moors and forcing conversion or expulsion of Jews 1492 the Moors were kicked out of Spain 1453 Greek Constantinople fell to Muslim troops; name changed to Istanbul = â€Å"Islam in Abundance† Sultan was the ruler of Islamic Ottoman society. Sultan means ruler Sultan’s Harem (Haram – forbidden, taboo)– group of concubines, in Western eyes they are dens of iniquity, but in Islamic practice they were centers of protection for women and sources for caucusing about political power Islamic polygamy: all wives need to be treated equally Part 7 of 9: Suez Canal; France colonizes Algeria; WWI; colonialism; Wahabism, Jihad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH2lGUr7eJ4&NR=1 Colonial sense of superiority disparaged Muslims France took over northern Africa and the northern part of the Middle East, discouraging Arabic language and Islamic faith. England expanded into Egypt after creating the Suez Canal, also taking the Sinai Peninsula, Palestine, and Iraq. Ottomans sided with Germany in WWI, so England & France took Muslim lands when Germany lost (min 2:40) Muslim Brotherhood arose in Egypt in 1928 Some Muslim states encouraged western style central authoritarian dictatorships; Muslim Brotherhood resisted these. Following WW2 Muslims throughout European colonies rose up, demanding release from the European counties. Mohammad ibn Abdul Wahab – became a leader in the Islamic world, preaching an ascetic, puritanical form of Islam Created Wahabism, founded Saudi State, merging desert warrior spirit with puritanical reform. Very fundamental and radical form of Islam Was supported by Saud family, who would become rulers of Saudi Arabia Oil gave Saudis great wealth allowing them to expand Wahabist beliefs. Giving the money to organizations has caused an even more radical group of beliefs to arise Jihad = â€Å"struggle.† The greater jihad is the struggle of one’s will against one’s passions and weaknesses, an inner struggle. The lesser jihad is a defensive war, using just war criteria. Some groups called for a radical Jihad –war against western nations The end justifying the means leads to terrorism. Osama Bin-Laden in particular Part 8 of 9: Malcolm X; Israel; Iran hostage crisis, Iraq: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKHuc0ehFPc Malcolm X: â€Å"We (blacks) did not land on Plymouth Rock; the rock was landed on us† Walhid Farad formed the Nation of Islam Elijah Poole joined him; changed name to Elijah Muhammad & took charge in 1934 Malcolm Little heard about Nation of Islam in Prison, changed name to Malcolm X Malcolm X: â€Å"What was your name before you lost it?† Malcolm X came back from hajj inspired to join Nation of Islam to traditional Islam; Gunned down By 1975, Elijah’s son brought about Malcolm X’s dream: changed name to World Community of Islam Louis Farrakhan continued in old ways of separation Israel made a state in 1948. In 6 Day War in 1967 tensions increased with Muslims 1978 Iran’s Shah fell to Shiite Ayatollah Khomeini; US cast as â€Å"Great Satan† Students took US embassy workers in Tehran as hostages for 444 days Sadat in Egypt assassinated; he had signed a peace treaty with Israel. Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990; coalition lead by US stopped him, imposed no-fly Zone Part 9 of 9: Suicide bombing; Islamic hell & heaven; wrap up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egTCPablawQ&NR=1 9/11 made people aware not only of radical fringe of Islam, but also of the peaceful Muslim neighbors. Even in heaven one cannot see God Pleas for peace Few stable & fair Muslim governments have replaced colonial governments Part 1 of 9: Intro and basic facts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAjsu1ATrts Part 2 of 9: Pre Muslim Mecca, Quraish tribe, Muhammad’s early years & first vision, Qur’an, 1st pillar shahadah, and start of 2nd pillar prayer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtFkhC7DIIo Part 3 of 9: 2nd pillar (prayer) continued, Muhammad gains followers, conflict with Meccans, Hijra, to Ummayad dynasty; beginning of 3rd pillar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h4bcCSsc9A&NR=1 Part 4 of 9: 3rdpillar, charity, continued; 4th pillar, Ramadan, Abbasid dynasty; Crusades; Mongols: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKsm3O23Itg&NR=1 Part 5 of 9: Mongol era: 5thPillar, Hajj; in Spain, interfaith cooperation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXWJDY8AsFo&feature=related Part 6 of 9: Spain, Ottoman Empire; place of women; Colonialism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6olUPtXRC6U&NR=1 Part 7 of 9: Suez Canal; France colonizes Algeria; WWI; colonialism; Wahabism, Jihad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH2lGUr7eJ4&NR=1 Part 8 of 9: Malcolm X; Israel; Iran hostage crisis, Iraq: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKHuc0ehFPc Part 9 of 9: Suicide bombing; Islamic hell & heaven; wrap up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egTCPablawQ&NR=1

Kinky and the Lost Tooth: A Book Review in Relation to Child Play

A Book Review in Relation to Child Play, Learning and Development Ask any child why they love to read, reread and sometimes even reenact their favorite book or story, and chances are you won’t get a response related to educational value. As expected, children will not see behind the magical characters and imaginary places they encounter with each story they choose to immerse themselves in. According to Whitebread and Jameson (2005, p.64), children are usually engrossed in what they are doing when they are at play. Of course, we adults know much better than that. We know that there is much more to fairy tales and children’s books than just their escapism or entertainment value. Research upon research has proven time and time again that children’s literature plays an important role in a child’s learning and holistic development. This is why authors of children’s books put much thought (and some, much research) into producing reading material that is educational without compromising its entertainment and marketing value. But what happens when the story is written or made up by a child? Does it accomplish more or less than what the average adult-written literature does? The main difference lies in how adults and children perceive stories, especially children’s literature. Children see stories as an extension of their play activities; almost everything is, for them. What exactly goes on when a child engages himself into a story? A very appropriate way to get a â€Å"behind-the-scenes† look at what happens when a child engages into literature is by studying a student-made story and its learning effectiveness. Just the fact that this came from a child all the more changes the dynamics in this research. The story chosen for this paper is Kinky and the Lost Tooth, written by V. Mansaray (2008): Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl called Kinky who lived in a town called Matotoka. One day she was playing with her friends Pikah, Krit and Kemzo, they decided to play a game called Koo-Koo! (hide and seek). As Kinky is running to hide under the Bao Bao tree, she fell down and lost her tooth. Kinky doesn’t realize that a new tooth would grow, she felt very, very sad because she had a party to go to and she cried all day and all night!! Suddenly she heard a loud voice calling her name. â€Å"Kinky, Kinky, K-i-n-k-y†¦ I am the tooth fairy. I am here to help you. Listen carefully. Stretch your hands, close your eyes.† Kinky did exactly what the tooth fairy asked her to do. †Now, can you open your eyes?† said the tooth fairy. When Kinky opened her eyes and looked in her hand she saw that she was holding a pink box. Guess what was inside the little box? When Kinky opened the tiny pink box she found her lost tooth. What do you think she will do with the tooth, now that she has found it? This story is a modern-day fairy tale, obviously because of the reference to the tooth fairy. The voice in the story is very simplistic and direct-to-the-point, making it clear and obvious that the words come from a child’s mouth (although this is a common approach and style that writers of children’s literature usually employ; more like stooping down to a child’s eye level to connect with them while communicating). The lines do not rhyme that much, but the proper names used are catchy & interestingly unique, for a kid (not much unlike Dr. Seuss’ famous characters). In addition, there is an evident pattern in how the proper names are coined; monosyllables repeated twice (Koo-Koo, Bao Bao, and even Kinky). This indicates that the author is of a young age. It is also noticeable that the most repeated word in the entire story is the protagonist’s name, Kinky. If one were to take this literary creation as an extension of the author’s playtime, then it would also be safe to assume that the protagonist could be the author’s actual self-projection. Tina Bruce (2001) has mentioned that in their play, children more often than not use the first hand experiences that they have in life. There weren’t that many descriptive words used to describe the plot settings, the protagonist, the fairy, even Kinky herself. This might imply that the child drew illustrations as he/she wrote this story, or even used his/her illustrations as his/her storyboard itself. Children are much more interested in visual and colorful images rather than in verbal imagery. A very visual book will be needed to pique the students’ interest, and there could be nothing more visual than a child’s active imagination. Considering the voice used, the language level employed, and the way the story flows in logical succession, this story would be best appropriate for children transitioning from the Concrete to the Formal Operational Stages. The question the author leaves for his readers at the end implies that the author is already capable of problem solving and inferencing, which are characteristics of a child around those stages (Piaget, 1954). Reading along the lines of Erik Erikson’s theory on psychosocial development, one can assume that the author/protagonist is at the School Age stage, since the protagonist shows that there is a basic conflict between Industry vs. Inferiority (Erikson, 1959). In this story, Kinky’s main problem was she had to go to a party but she couldn’t because she just lost a tooth. There was the social demand of going to a party (where it is assumed that everybody else is going), but then again missing a tooth (especially if it was a front tooth) would mean she would be somewhat inferior to the other kids. The eventual resolution of her problem, however, is still interestingly abstract; it took the tooth fairy’s magic to give Kinky a happy ending. The tooth fairy is one of the most popular characters children encounter in their young lives; and surprisingly, it can be a social tool in more ways than one. This story says a lot about how a child seems to cope with the stress and social repercussions losing a tooth brings in a child’s life. Kinky’s dilemma could or could not be reflective of the author’s real life struggles; but whatever the case may be, it is still a real issue many children face at this stage. Kinky’s story can be used to teach children of an appropriate age how to cope with their self-identities and with seemingly stressful situations that need their own decision and action. We can further examine Kinky’s story by comparing and contrasting it with a published book (presumably written by an adult). Taking for example Selby Breeler’s 1998 book Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions All Over the World, this book takes the focus away from the child and focus more on other children around the world. By depicting how other children around the world cope with losing a tooth, Breeler introduces the child to world geography and being conscious of other nationalities and customs at the same time. Breeler does not take away the magic by refuting the validity of the tooth fairy, but instead affirms the child by showing that some children in other countries also believe in the tooth fairy, or an equivalent entity. The author also assures the child that he/she is not alone in losing his/her tooth, that it’s normal. Breeler ends the story with reassurance, leaving the child reader with hope for renewed confidence: â€Å"Teeth fall out every day, all over the world. What do you do with yours?† Moyles (2005, p.9) discusses that â€Å"play in educational settings should have learning consequences.† In this light, every piece of children’s literature should have some educational merit. Mansaray’s and Breeler’s stories could be used within the class curriculum to stress several learning points, especially those related to reinforcing the child’s self-confidence and social awareness. In that way, these resources can actually be used to support children’s learning and development. The authors may actually consider extending their work into other literature by expanding these stories into series that tackle different issues and conflicts children face from day to day. A good way to implement these resources in the classroom setting is to allow each student read, analyze and interpret these stories in their own ways. Bettelheim (1989) theorizes that when children get to read about the problems, victories and failures experienced by the heroes and heroines of fairy tales (and in this case, children’s books),   they are given the chance to get a greater sense of meaning and purpose, and in effect prepare them for their own conflicts in their own lives. Bandura (1977) reinforces this by his theory on social learning: â€Å"Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action.† This just emphasizes the need to lead children of operational age to learn how to analyze situations, identify the conflict/s, and then come to their own conclusions and solutions. Children find it easier to do so when they have a model (in this case, a symbolic one, found in the literary protagonists) they can relate to and follow. Another way one might employ these sample resources is to let the students have a chance to be able to relate or connect their own personal experiences with those of the protagonists’. Bowlby’s Attachment Theory (1969) comes into play here, revealing that if the educator or parent lets the child use a literary protagonist as their own attachment figure, then one can promptly use that attachment to direct or lead the student to the learning point at hand. Children, especially those in the operational stage, need someone with whom they can identify. Johnson’s treatise on the interrelation of child development with learning and literature backs this up in quoting that â€Å"knowledge cannot be given directly from the teacher to the learner, but must be constructed by the learner and reconstructed as new information becomes available† (Ryan & Cooper, quoted in Johnson, 2003). Johnson later on concludes that â€Å"learning is not the result of development; rather, learning is development.† By looking through Bandura’s â€Å"sociocognitive glasses†, so to speak, this interaction between the child and the literary protagonist plays an important role in the child’s intellectual development. This means that what a child learns socially is related to what he/she learns cognitively, and vice versa. What a child learns by interacting with other people adds to his/her own schema and thus increases his/her understanding in some cognitive processes. (Bandura, 1977) Mansaray’s story about Kinky and the lost tooth in itself has little educational merit; but if one would look at it by using sociocognitive theories, then the educator/parent can certainly use such output from the child as clues and tools for further sociocognitive learning. Using a story that uses the child’s own language and vocabulary, and that is based on the child’s own personal conflicts and issues, proves to be a very important tool in child development. Not only does the child get to learn about certain subject matter, but the educator/parent can also use it to teach very important life lessons as well. Bibliography Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ, Prentice Hall. Beeler, S. (1998) Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions All Over the World. New York, Houghton Mifflin. Bettelheim, B. (1989) The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales. Vintage Books. Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Attachment (Vol. 1). New York, Basic. Bruce, T. 2001, Learning through Play, Babies, Toddlers and the Foundation Years. Hodder and Stoughton. Erikson, E. H. (1959) Identity and the Life Cycle. New York, International Universities Press. Johnson, D.C. (2003) The Role of Child Development and Social Interaction in the Selection of Children's Literature to Promote Literacy Acquisition. Early Childhood Research ; Practice [Internet], Fall, 5 (2). Available from: ;http://www.ecrp.uiuc.edu/v5n2/johnson.html; [Accessed 9 April 2008] Mansaray, V. (2008) Kinky and the Lost Tooth [written by student]. Piaget, J. (1954) The Construction of Reality in the Child. New York, Basic Books. Whitebread, D. ; Jameson, H. (2005) Play, Storytelling and Creative Writing. In: Moyles, J. ed. The Excellence of Play. England, Open University Press, McGraw-Hill. ; ; ; ; ;

Deficiencies of the Prevailing Labour Law in Sri Lanka Essays

Deficiencies of the Prevailing Labour Law in Sri Lanka Essays Deficiencies of the Prevailing Labour Law in Sri Lanka Essay Deficiencies of the Prevailing Labour Law in Sri Lanka Essay DEFICIENCIES OF THE PREVAILING LABOUR LAW SYSTEM IN SRI LANKA BACKGROUND FOR THE STUDY 1. 1. Employment Employment is a An act of employing State of being employed The work in which one is engaged; occupation. An activity to which one devotes time The percentage or number of people gainfully employed: a vicious spiral of rising prices under full employment (William Henry Beveridge). 1. 2. Definition of Employee and Employer A person who is hired to provide services to a company on a regular basis in exchange for compensation and who does not provide these services as part of an independent business† â€Å"An employee is a person who works in the service of another person under an express or implied contract of hire, under which the employer has the right to control the details of work performance† (Blacks Law Dictionary). â€Å"An employee is hired for a specific job or to provide labor and who works in the service of someone else† (the emp loyer). The IRS classifies a worker as an employee as follows: In general, anyone who performs services for an organization is an employee if the organization can control what will be done and how it will be done. 1. 0. Types of Employment There are a variety of employment types that can offer new staff including Permanent, full-time, part-time, casual, fixed term employment, traineeships and apprenticeships. 2. 1. Figure: Types of Employments Permanent employment Can work continuously until retirement. Letter of appointment must be given. Can be asked to undergo a probationary period. If progress is unsatisfactory during probationary period, the period can be extended or service terminated. Even during the probationary period employees can enjoy all facilities under Labour Laws. Apart from permanent employment, there are other new forms of employment that are widely practiced in the world today. Full Time Employment Full-time employees work on a regular weekly basis and are expected to work a full week. Part Time Employment Part-time work is a new concept adopted only in few institutions such as BPO Companies. They engage school-leavers and unemployed IT educated youth such as IT operators for a few hours in a day. Unfortunately, Labour Laws are silent on part-time workers. Part-time employees usually work on a regular ongoing basis. They are paid on a pro rata basis. They are entitled to the following to: Part-time workers are paid for the total number of hours they have worked. They do not enjoy any benefits such as leave, gratuity and ETF. However, they are entitled to EPF. Under the EPF, part-time employees are covered and shall enjoy the benefits of EPF. Casual Employment Casual employees are employed on an irregular basis as needed. The can work as many hours as agreed between the employer and the employee. They: A casual employee has no right to expect daily or regular employment. A casual employee may report for work as and when they like and they can be employed as and when the employer pleases. The practice of having casual employees to substitute for absence of permanent employees is very common. However, the Termination of Employment (Special Provisions) Act gives coverage to an employee who has worked 180 days for a period of 12 months immediately preceding termination. Where the nature of work is of a transitory nature, it would be considered casual employment and all such workers are treated as Casual Employees. However, where such work recurs at regular intervals and forms part of the business, it may fall under temporary employment. Labour laws are silent on â€Å"Casual employment†. It is, there for, necessary to treat them like any other employee. They should come under EPF and ETF coverage. A casual employee is one who is taken, either for work of a casual nature or on the basis of fulfilling a casual need. Several companies maintain a register of those who are registered for work, when work is available. The difference between a casual employee and other employees is that a casual employee cannot be expected to report for work daily. There is no obligation to offer work on a daily basis too. Most organizations also recruit them at the gate and at the end of the day, if there is work the next day as well, he could be informed that he may turn up for work the next day as well. Casual employees are also paid on a daily rated basis and as far as practicable, paid daily or not later than at the end of the week. Payment is also made by voucher and the signature of the employee is obtained. A casual employee employed on a weekly holiday should be remunerated at 1 1/2 times the normal hourly rate. His normal hours of work shall be nine hours a day inclusive of one hour for meals and he is entitled to overtime if he is called upon to work over nine hours. In the event the employer fails to provide work for the full day such employee shall be entitled to be remunerated on the basis that he has worked for the full day. All casual employees are entitled to EPF and ETF. Fixed term or contract employees Fixed term or contract employees are hired for a fixed period of time, for example, for a specific project, or to replace an employee on sick leave or parental leave. Most organizations as prefer to offer a fixed term contract when it is felt that the nature of the work offered will last only for a limited period of time. When offering a fixed term contract it is necessary to: State the period of Contract from (Date/Month/Year) to (Date/Month/Year) As far as the date of expiry of the Contract, get the following Clause. Included in the contract of employment â€Å"I agree to the cessation of my employment on.. † A fixed term contract is one under which a person is employed for a fixed period. The contract will come to an end by mutual agreement at the end of the agreed period. When the management repeatedly gives a series of fixed term contracts to the same employee, it may be treated by an appropriate Court as a device and the employee being deemed to be a person on a permanent contract of employment. This is especially so where there is no break in service between the several contracts. It is also desirable to omit any reference to the possibility of a renewal of the contract. Any further contracts should be new contracts and not mere extensions or renewals of the earlier one. A Fixed Term Contract of Employment is one, which is entered into for a fixed term without any guarantee that the Contract would be renewed on the expiry of the period stipulated. At the end of the period stipulated, the Contract automatically comes to an end. Fixed Term employees are entitled to enjoy all benefits of the Labour Laws. Temporary employment * A temporary employee is an employee taken to fulfill a temporary need. If a vacancy is temporarily created by a permanent employee going on long leave such as maternity leave, study leave or where a special assignment has to be executed for which purpose extra employees are needed. It is important to issue â€Å"A letter of temporary employment† to such people. * Although the temporary employment is for a limited period, temporary employees will normally be entitled to the benefits of the labour laws. Outsourced Employment * Several institutions are at present outsourcing Accounting, human resources and other administrative function to specialized institutions established for such services. Although Labour Laws are silent on the terms and conditions of such employees most of such newly established institutions apply the shop and Office Act for the staff engaged by them. Major employment types at a glance Seasonal Employment * There is a distinction between seasonal and casual workers. Seasonal workers are employed during certain seasons of the ye ar. * There are certain industries such as the agricultural industry, where certain categories of employees are employed during one season of the year and at the end of that season their employment comes to an end. If such workers are engaged during the next season it will be new employment and the question of continuity of employment does not arise. * In the event of a dispute regarding retrenchment of workers, the question as to whether such industry is of a seasonal nature or whether the work in that industry is done intermittently, shall be decided on by the Commissioner of Labour and his decision shall be final. * In the case of seasonal workers they are also entitled to benefits under the EPF and ETF. Apprentices Apprentices are generally training to be trades people, while trainees are generally learning the skills of a non-trade occupation. Both involve: a registered training agreement; practical work; learning skills on and off the job; and Rates of pay covered by an award or agreement, or the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 199 3 or the Workplace Relations Act 1996. Both apprenticeships and traineeships lead to a nationally recognized qualification. 2. 0. EMPLOYED POPULATION OF SRI LANKA The formally employed population of Sri Lanka in the late 1980s was shifting gradually from agriculture to manufacturing, trade, and service employment. Nevertheless, over 40 percent of the work force remained agricultural in early 1988; most of these workers were smallholders, tenants, and plantation workers. The labor force growing most rapidly in the early and mid-1980s was in the service sector. However that the figure 3. 1. will show the distribution pattern of year 2006 that emphasized trend of employments. It is very clear that, 33 percent of the total employment contributes to the agriculture sector while these percentages are 41 percent and 26 percent for service sector and Industry sector respectively in Sri Lanka. 3. 0. THE PREVAILING LABOUR LAW SYSTEM IN SRI LANKA The origins of labour laws in Sri Lanka can be traced back to the year 1841 when the first labour ordinance pertaining to contracts of employment of labour war introduced by then British Colonial Government to appease the interest of British planters when plantations were opened in the hill country first in Coffee and later in Tea and rubber as they found it exacting to get work done through Indian labour, who were brought down to Sri Lanka from South India. After the establishment of the Department of Labour, Labour law has been framed to protect the interest of all classes and grades of indigenous labours. Sri Lanka has nearly 55 legislation to control labour relations but only 44 of them are not actively using today. Of the 44 statutes also some in operation have become obsolete and out of date although they still continue on a legal basis. However the major statues as follows: Main Labour statues NoOrdinance/Act NoYearName of ordinance/Act 1191934Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance 2141935Trade Union Ordinance 3321939Maternity Benefits ordinance 4271941Wages Boards Ordinance 5451942Factories ordinance 6431950Industrial Disputes Act 7191954Shop and Office Employees Regulation of Employment Remuneration) Act 8151958Employees Provident Fund Act 9451971Termination of Employment of Workmen Act 10461980Employees Trust Fund Act 11121983Payment of Gratuities Act Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance No 19 Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance is an ordinance to provide for the payment of compensation to workmen who are injured in the course of their employment. It was formed in 1934 . 1935 Trade Union Ordinance No 14 Trade Union ordinance is an ordinance to provide for the registration and control of trade unions. Maternity Benefits ordinance No 32 The Maternity Benefits Ordinance, as amended in 1957, entitled a woman who worked in a factory, mine, or estate to full compensation for a period of two weeks before her confinement and for six weeks afterward. The employee must have worked for the employer 150 days before her confinement to be eligible to receive the benefits. Wages Boards Ordinance No 27 In 1941 the government enacted the Wages Boards Ordinance, the first comprehensive piece of legislation regarding the payment of wages, the regulation of working hours, and sick and annual leave; the ordinance also empowered the government to establish wages boards for any trade. The boards are composed of an equal number of representatives of workers and employers and three appointees proposed by the commissioner of labor. Part I of the Wages Board Ordinance applies to all trades defined as any industry, business, undertaking occupation, profession or calling. Factories ordinance No 45 The Factories Ordinance of 1942 established guidelines for industrial safety and sanitation and made each factory liable to government inspection. Because this ordinance and other similar legislation has not been enforced consistently, workers frequently protested their working conditions. In the 1980s, strikes and boycotts often took place because of inadequate meals at factories that had their own lunchrooms or because of the lack of other facilities. The Factories Ordinance prohibited work for women between 9:00 P. M. and 6:00 A. M. In the years after independence, a further series of laws restricted the employment of women and children to designated time periods and places. A 1957 law, for example limited working time for women to nine hours. Other laws prohibited women and children from working time underground, in mines, for example. Industrial Disputes Act Industrial Disputes Act is an act to provide for the prevention, investigation and settlement of industrial disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment Remuneration) Act The Shop and Office Employees act No. 19 of 1954 which is an Act providing for the regulation of employment, hours of work and remuneration of persons in shops and offices and for matters connected therewith. All shops and offices in Sri Lanka have been covered by a regulation made under this act. Employees Provident Fund Act No 15 The Employees Provident Fund, established in 1958, provided a national retirement program for the private sector. The Provident Fund required an employer to contribute 6 percent of total earnings and an employee to contribute 4 percent of earnings exclusive of overtime pay. Participation in this plan grew quickly, and in the 1980s most salaried workers in the formal sectors of the economy were members. Government employees had their own pension plans. 1971 Termination of Employment of Workmen Act No 45 Termination of employment of workmen Act is an act to make special provisions in respect of the termination of the services of workmen in certain employments by their employers. Employees Trust Fund Act Under the Employees Trust Fund Act, every employer has to contribute at the rate of 3% each employee’s monthly earnings, to the Fund managed by the Commissioner of Labour. Employees are eligible to withdraw their balances at the termination of employment with their interest in the accounts. Payment of Gratuities Act An Act to provide for a scheme for the payment of gratuity to employees engaged in factories, mines, oilfields, plantations, ports, railway companies, shops or other establishments and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 5. 0 Analysis of Data The data collected by primary and secondary sources, the following factors were found for the main question of the assignment whether the present law system in Sri Lanka protect the new types of employment. Figure 5. 1. – Methodology structure of the data collection 5. 1. Review and suggestions Sri Lanka today has a very fine texture of laws to protect the interest of employees and to a lesser extent to safeguard the interests of employers as well. The department of Labour as a mediator between employers and employees has up to date performed its onerous task through its officers to maintain industrial peace and the enforcement of the legal right and claims, which labour has in the performance of work under their masters. Even though, The Sri Lankan legal system is enriched with many laws for protecting employees, there is hardly any legislation to protect the interests of the employers who are the investors. Hence, the existing labour statutes have to be amended to protect the interests of the investors, especially the foreign investors. If not, they will have a conducive environment for investment and Sri Lankan Economy. The industry and service sector representing the highest proportion of Sri Lankan Employed population(Figure 3. 1),but the labour legislation of this country is equally applied to the industries that come under the BOI and no power has been granted to the Board to enter into an agreement to exempt or modify or vary the provisions of labour legislation. But it is interesting to note that even though the post 1977 policy of the successive governments has been attracting more foreign investment, the labour legislation of the country has been applied without any change in the context of foreign investment In Sri Lanka, the State intervention to protect the interests of the workers who do not have equal bargaining power with the employers has resulted in the enactment of large number of labour statutes. The question does arise whether the labour legislation is over protective of employees and weigh heavily in favour of them. If so, it will have an adverse impact on creating a conducive environment for foreign investment in Sri Lanka. The Factories Ordinance shall also be amended from time to time in accordance with the changes in the technology and the substances used in the factory to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the workers. In Consumer Education and Research Centre v Union of India Ramaswamy. J stated that The right to health to a worker is an integral facet of meaningful right to life to have not only a meaningful existence but also robust health and vigor without which worker would lead a life of misery. The evolution of the right to health of the workman as a part of his human right and the pervasion of modern technology and the various types of chemical substances with the foreign investment require the intervention of the State to ensure the safety, health and welfare of workers. The brochure on Labour Standards and Relations issued by the BOI, prescribes the conditions subject to whi ch the female workers could be employed on night shift. If these conditions are strictly adhered to, the employment of female workers on night shift will not have deleterious effects. The absolute prohibition of night work for the female workers may be a discrimination against them and may affect their chances of employment by discouraging the foreign investors. Therefore, in the context of foreign investment what is required is regularized night work for the female workers. Although, there are a number of labour statutes to protect the interests of the workers, still, some of them require amendments in the context of foreign investment. The Workmen Compensation Ordinance4 provides for the payment of compensation to workmen for personal injury caused by accident arising out of and in the course of employment15 or for occupational diseases mentioned in Schedule lll16 or for the disease which is reasonably attributable to the nature of the workmans employment. As to payment of gratuity, the Payment of Gratuity Act 23 is applicable to the employer who employs fifteen or more workmen24 and in respect of the employer who employs less than fifteen workmen, the workmen has to make an application to the Labour Tribunal 25 for gratuity. It is suggested that the Payment of Gratuity Act should be amended to make it applicable even to the employer who employs only one workman. As to the contribution of the employer to the employees provident fund, the employers should be induced to enhance their contribution. 6. 0. Conclusion In Sri Lanka the Statutory measures that are available are fairly satisfactory in protecting the workers. There are certain areas where there can be some improvement, specially the need for a mandatory letter of appointment, categorization of fixed term contracts, settling the questions relating to casual employment, etc. However, the problems are not mainly regarding inadequacy of legal provisions, but in the implementation and enforcement of same. The weakness in the enforcement machinery has been stated above. The mechanisms and the machinery available are not adequate and not very satisfactory and this is an area, which has to be strengthened. It is appropriate to state that in employer-employee relationship the survival of one party depends on the survival of other. Hence, the industrial law cannot be static and it has to change with the time. In Sri Lanka, in the present trend of industrial policy, the protection of the interests of the foreign investors draws special attention for the benefit of the present and future workforce of the country. References A. T. M. Nurul Amin, The Informal Sector in Asia from the Decent Work Perspective, ILO, May 2001. S. R. De Silva, Some Aspects of Labour Administration and Development in Sri Lanka A. T. M. Nurul Amin, The Informal Sector in Asia from the Decent Work Perspective, ILO, May 2001.

Independent Study for November 7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Independent Study for November 7 - Essay Example The significance of this poem is that Turner has removed the blame to the terrorists who fire the gun but instead, he blames the gun by making it responsible through personification. Yusef Komunyakaa’s poem â€Å"Facing It† is another military poem about a painful experience suffered by a Vietnam War veteran when he visited a Vietnam veteran Memorial. Komunyakaa uses the first person to create a symbolic setting of the memorial sculptures by drawing its physical properties. His descriptions create a ghostly reflection of the settings which has been clogged by his military experiences. The poem shows that the many survivors of the war come to a dead end upon visiting a memorial site. The military people are also taken to be unable to experience the present or the future without interference from the memories of the war. As such, they keep on grieving even when safe from the war. â€Å"The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner† by Randall Jarrell is a short poem which is filled with condensed brevity and shocking violence. This gives the poem a rather immediate and durable impact to the readers. This is partly due to the tittle of the poem depicting that it is written from the poem of view of the dead gunner. Jarrell paints an uncomfortable picture about his sympathetic situation by precise choice of diction. The gunner seems like a small child who has lost the comfort of his biological mother to land into the hand of the state. By alluring to paradox of ‘birth† and â€Å"death†, he is able to present the trauma undergone by gunners. â€Å"Dulce et Decorum Est† by Wilfred Owen is a poem which describes the general conditions of the military in war especially when attacked and presents the effects of such an experience through the eyes of a person who has lived through the experience. The poem depicts the soldier’s situation as utterly frightening and life-threatening when they are gas attacked and have to

Social Psychology - Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Social Psychology - Theory - Essay Example A group gives each of its members an identity and a role. Group identity gives an individual improved self-esteem, confidence level and sense of belonging. The individual is also socially and culturally influenced by the group. This study was conducted in 1971 by Philip Zimbardo of Stanford University, California, along with a group of researchers. It was a dramatic simulation of prison life conducted to study the behavior of good people when placed in an evil setting, to learn if humanity would prevail over evil or vice versa, etc. (Zimbardo). The independent variable in the study was the conditions the participants were assigned, the dependent variable being their consequent behavior (Haney, Banks and Zimbardo). The study was stopped halfway through due to the grim effects seen in the participants where the "guards" had become sadistic and the "prisoners" extremely depressed. The experiment was funded by the US Navy with a view to study the causes of conflict between the guards and prisoners in the naval prisons. Up until then, there was a belief that the guards entered their jobs with a "guard mentality" and were basically sadistic and insensitive whereas the prisoners were aggressive people with no respect for law. The study, however, disproved this dispositional hypothesis. Though the participants knew that they were part of a study, from the moment the "prisoners" were caught and arrested unawares from their homes and from the moment the "guards" were initiated into their roles a day before the prisoners were brought in, the participants fell so perfectly into their roles and they were affected by them so much that they seemed to believe in their assigned roles or positions. The participants were not preconditioned on their form of interactions and were free to interact in any way. Yet, their "encounters tended to be negative, hostile, insulting and dehumanizing" (Haney, Banks and Zimbardo). The negative emotions showed that the participants, both the prisoners and the guards, had internalized the situation or that they had started to believe in the situation. Though physical violence was strictly not allowed, forms of less direct aggressive behavior were noted. Another instance where the participants' internalization was evidenced was when five of the prisoners had to be released due to extreme depression. Though the prisoners were fully aware that they were only playing a role and could quit the study if they so wished, only two of the rest were ready to forfeit their earnings in consideration of "parole." When the study was terminated earlier than planned, the prisoners were delighted while the guards were disappointed. This was because the guards had grown to enjoy the power that they now held. Even the "prison officials," meaning the research team, had started behaving in a manner they thought was befitting the roles they played. The styles of responding to and coping with the new situation differed from individual to individual. While a few prisoners had to be released, a few endured the atmosphere. While some guards were "tough but fair, some went far beyond their roles to engage in creative cruelty and harassment" (Haney, Banks and Zimbardo). The preliminary personality tests done on the participants had not predicted this manner of a behavior