Saturday, January 25, 2020

Our Ethical Duty to Prevent Child Abuse Essay -- Violence Against Chil

Beating children, chronically belittling them, using them for sexual gratification, or depriving them of the basic necessities of life are acts that cannot be permitted in a civilized society. Tolerating child abuse denies the worth of children as human beings. Each of us has a moral obligation to turn in a child abuser. In the United States, teachers are told to report child abuse to the Department of Community Services because the department has the responsibility and legal mandate to insure a child's safety, care, and welfare (Bender et al. 1). Why must this responsibility be separate among people who live in the same city and care for these children? The Department of Community Services (DCS) should not have to be concerned with the moral responsibility of protecting a child or doing everything correctly as to not violate a law. They should only have to be watching out for these children and find ways to stop child abuse. This needs to change by building a real community where everyone can feel active, involved, and as though they are making a difference. The presence of child abuse goes back as far as history can remember. It was present in such societies as Ancient Egypt and Rome. We remember these societies as being great and prosperous. On the down side child abuse was very common, and mostly by the elite who had the power and the gold. We also have cases of child abuse in the Church. And when the case of the child is over the priest is just sent away to another city to preach, with the chance of the abuse happening again. People need to speak out to stop this "higher Power" from getting away with such a hurtful crime (Pride 1). "The Social service ... ...ave no future if our children are treated worthlessly. Community is a big key here. And community needs to come together and fight against child abuse. Protection of children from harm is not just an ethical duty; it is a matter of national survival. Works Cited Bender, et al. Child Abuse-Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego CA, Green haven Press Inc., 2004. Jackson, Valerie. Racism and Child Protection-The Black Experience of Child Sexual Abuse. London: Cassell Press, 2011. Kalichman, Seth C. Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse, Ethics, Law, and Policy. Washington DC: APA, 2005. Pride, Mary. The Child Abuse Industry. Illinois: Crossway Books, 2009. http://www.alex.edfac.usyd.edu.au/LocalResources/DepartPol/Childprotect/Child%20prot%20html#index. Roystone, Jennifer. All of our Children. 2008. http://www.vcuethics.org/

Thursday, January 16, 2020

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich Essay

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich Essay Prompt 2: Many of the characters in One Day in the Life represent specific human qualities and the suitability or value of those qualities for the life in the camps. What characters does Shukov view positively and why? Who are the flawed characters and what are their failings? What about their life before the camps hurts or helps their chances of survival once inside? In assessing these people, what does Shukov reveal about his own values?In Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s novel, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, the main character Ivan Denisovich Shukov is an inmate serving his eighth year in a Russian labor camp. Shukov had been sentenced to ten years and three days (the three days are make-up days to compensate for leap years) for supposedly being a Nazi spy (182). In reality, he had been imprisoned by the Germans and somehow managed to escape. In the eyes of the Soviets, those who did escape were considered Nazi spies; thus, Shuk ov was forced to admit that he was a spy in order to live (70).Solzhenitsyn further describes Shukov’s traits as well as the characteristics of the people he comes in contact with on a daily basis in this novel. Ivan Denisovich Shukov is part of a work gang, who is referred to as Gang 104. In this work gang, Shukov associates with many men—including those whom he views positively as well as some whom he views negatively. Alyoshka the Baptist, Senka Klevshin, Andrei Prokofyevich Tyurin, Pavlo, Jan Kildigs, Tsezar Markovich, Gopchik and Captain Buynovsky are all whom Shukov views positively and are either part of Gang 104 or are somehow associated with the work gang.Although there are many of whom Shukov views positively, there is also one in particular whom he views negatively, Fetyukov. These men all have specific human qualities that may help or harm them in their chances of survival in the labor camps. Alyoshka the Baptist and Senka Klevshin are two of whom Shukov vi ews positively, but in different ways. They are both quiet men who have been sentenced for 25 years in the labor camps, but for different reasons. Alyoshka was sentenced just for being a Baptist and Klevshin was sentenced because he had been with the Americans for a mere two days (45,126).Shukov views Alyoshka in a positive manner because he is an extremely optimistic and generous person despite his surroundings. He does favors for everyone and does whatever asked of him without complaint (109). Alyoshka sees prison as a good thing since he claims that he has time to focus on and think about his soul. These positive thoughts will help Alyoshka’s chances in prison because he will be extremely resilient to any harsh conditions. Klevshin is also favored by Shukov because of the loyalty he shows to his fellow workmates.His loyalty to Shukov was notable especially when he purposely ran slowly in order for Shukov to catch up to him leaving the Power Station work site (114). Shukov knew that Klevshin would rather be in trouble along with Shukov instead of letting him get punished on his own (114). This kind of loyalty will help Klevshin in camp life because he will gain a considerable amount of respect from other workmates. Andrei Prokofyevich Tyurin and Pavlo are two foremen of Gang 104—both whom Shukov views positively and respects.The foremen are both strict and caring people whom have gained much respect from the inmates they watch over. Tyurin is described as a fierce and smart leader who saw that the men were well fed and had good rations (46). These foremen’s traits keep the men in Gang 104 better off than the rest and inspire them to work harder for their gang. Two others whom Shukov respect are Jan Kildigs and Tsezar Markovich. These men are both rich and receive bimonthly parcels.Jan Kildigs is a Latvian bricklayer who is loved for his sense of humor (56). Shukov respected Kildigs because he worked with pride—he did not like to r ush his work and enjoyed taking his time to do things right (109). Tsezar was highly regarded by Shukov because of his character—he was respectful and trustworthy (48). The two men have a high chance of survival in the labor camps because they gave all the right people a handout and bribery worked wonders in the camp (48). Gopchik and Captain Buynovsky were also favored by Shukov.Gopchik was only about sixteen years old and was jailed for bringing milk to Ukrainian guerillas (63). He was very crafty and Shukov felt that he had potential to be a good camp dweller (149). Gopchik was smart and Shukov thought highly of him, even saying that he has potential to have a good job in the camp, such as a bread cutter (150). Gopchik’s craftiness would give him a high chance of survival as compared to others. One of the â€Å"others† would be Captain Buynovsky, who seems to be in a state of denial.He is a proud man who as an ex-Captain who according to Shukov, had no idea h ow to look after himself. However, he is diligent and works hard—which Shukov admires him for. Fetyukov, on the other hand, is a scavenger whom Shukov views negatively. Fetyukov was a leech and beggar who did everything in his power for extra food and cigarette butts (31). Many, including Shukov, pitied him at times but also despised his actions. Fetyukov was lazy and made work easier for himself by cheating.For example, while carrying mortar, he would purposely splash some out of his handbarrow so that it would be lighter to carry (101). Fetyukov further degraded himself by begged for food which at times backfired. He was greedy and scrounged for extra bread or other types of food and was even beaten by the Guards for licking bowls in the mess hall (163). In Shukov’s eyes, people like Fetyukov would only survive by relying on others’ pity and generosity towards him. Shukov also found ways to benefit himself, but he did so with dignity and pride, unlike Fetyukov .Instead of begging for tobacco or food, Shukov would work for his share or discretely hint that he wanted something regardless of how much he actually wanted it. For example, when it came to tobacco, Shukov would merely just stand next to someone smoking, and without saying anything, the smoker would ask if he wanted the butt of his cigarette (26). Shukov also worked for his tobacco by making slippers from rags or patching jerkins (156). He also haggled his way into getting a larger share of tobacco from those selling it (158).Shukov not only worked for his tobacco, but also for his food. He would volunteer to wait in line for people in hope that they will give him their share of food, in which most of the time, they did (142). Ivan Denisovich Shukov was a proud man who was competitive and meticulous in his work ethics. The best example of his pride and competitiveness would be when he says that â€Å"he’d feel pretty sore if others in the village got ahead of him (44). â⠂¬  Shukov was a skilled carpenter who was proud of his work and enjoyed doing things correctly.He would correct others when they were doing something wrong, such as cutting tarred paper incorrectly (64). He also showed how meticulous he was by straightening others’ work and by carefully selecting his own cinder blocks to fit into spaces perfectly (110). Shukov worked quickly, was a very hard worker and stayed behind to finish his and others’ jobs because he felt that he could not let anyone’s work go to waste (113). Ivan Denisovich Shukov acquainted himself with many people who helped him discover himself and his limits when it came to survival.He did not want to degrade himself by begging like Fetyukov had done but he instead found a way to benefit himself by not even asking directly. He discovered that regardless of his tough situations, he still found himself quite optimistic and proud of his work. Those whom he views positively and respected became a type of role model for him and he learned from them. He also learned from those whom he thought of negatively in such a way that he would never stoop down to their level. He was a proud person and kept his pride throughout his time at the labor camp.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

The Tragic Hero Of Shakespeare s Othello - 1613 Words

A tragedy is one of the most captivating forms of drama as it truly grasps the attention of its audience. It unleashes hidden emotions and allows the viewers to escape their own realities. In Aristotle’s, Poetics, he analyzes the theory of a tragedy and explains that the essential criteria of an ideal tragedy consists of the plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle, and song (Aristotle, 169). According to Aristotle, tragedies also often focus on a tragic hero who possesses a flaw which ultimately leads to their downfall. In fact, Aristotle prescribes the three most important points to any tragedy to be hamartia, a tragic flaw in the tragic hero’s character that brings about his downfall, catharsis, a purgation of the audience’s emotions and anagnorisis, the character’s revelation of some fact not previously realized. In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, Othello is an excellent example of an Aristotelian tragic hero. He was a character of nobl e status until his jealousy and gullibility lead him astray. Moreover, the play has a complex plot with a powerful climax and conclusion which lets the audience feel the vulnerability of the characters. Lastly, the characters face a point of realization where they can finally see the people around them are not who they seemed to be. Overall, Othello is one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies as it follows all the requirements to be an ideal tragedy according to Aristotle’s Poetics. To begin, Shakespeare’s protagonist, Othello,Show MoreRelatedShakespeare s Othello As A Tragic Hero1517 Words   |  7 PagesAristotle and why does he label Shakespeare’s play, Othello, as a tragedy? Aristotle is a famous Greek philosopher who defines Shakespeare’s character, Othello, as a tragic hero. Many parts in Othello tell the readers that the play is a tragedy, such as jealousy, arguing, and death, which makes the play famous and delightful to read. Aristotle has identified many common traits or characteristics that a tragic hero requires. In Shakespeare s play, Aristotle defines many features that cause theRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello As A Tragic Hero1323 Words   |  6 PagesIn literature tragic heroes can be defined as a character that makes a flawed judgment that inevitably leads to their own demise. William Shakespeare’s Othello the Moore of Venice is a play about a heroic individual that goes through a tragic event based on his decisions throughout the play. Many of the characters that Shakespeare presents in his plays reveal attitudes and value that is reflective of both the Elizabethan society in sixteenth century England and William Shakespeare; these values areRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello As A Tragic Hero1322 Words   |  6 PagesA hero usually a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities (Dictionary.com). In life, heroes will arise whenever they are needed. It may be a tall man that wears a cape and has super powers. As a matter of fact it may be the everyday heroes that are seen giving a homeless man a coffee or helping an old lady cross the street. It may be the heroes that are see in movies and graphic novels, rescuing the princess from her tower or leading their countryRead MoreEssay on The Tragic Hero in William Shakespeare ´s Othello617 Words   |  3 PagesTragic heroes tend to have very pre-determined paths; usually making the most virtuous of characters destined to suffer. The hamartia or ‘tragic flaw’ is the typical reason the hero falls. Shakespeare was noted to be one of the best writers of tragedies, one of his most prominent to be Othello. In Othello, we find a number of tragic flaws two including pride and ambition. In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, pride and ambition are used to identify the outcomes for the main characters in the playRead MoreOthello As A Tragic Hero872 Words   |  4 PagesVenice, Othello is transformed into a crazy, senseless man. William Shakespeare uses the idea of a tragic hero in almost all of his dramas. A tragic hero can be described as a person of high status who is neither completely good nor completely evil, possesses a tragic flaw, and leaves this flaw to be the reason for his/her downfall. Othello believes he can trust one of his soldiers, Iago, who is determined to seek revenge on Othello for not promoting him to be a lieutenant. Othellorsquo;s temperRead MoreTragedy In Shakespeares Othello1519 Words   |  7 Pagesclassic tragedy. This can be observed through action as seen in Shakespeare’s Othello. Shakespeare’s play Othello, most closely resembles the Greek philosopher’s theory of tragedy that achieves Aristotle s four unities (simplify this sentence): Hamartia, Peripetia, Anagnorisis and Catharsism. With Shakespeare adapting Aristotle’s theory of tragedy and its unities, it enables the playwright to present Othello as the tragic hero of the play that drives the narrative rather than Machiavellian Iago. AudiencesRead MoreOthello is Not a Tragic Hero Essay1481 Words   |  6 PagesOthello has been described as one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays because the play focuses on its themes of good and evil, military, politics, love and marriage, religion, racial prejudice, gender conflict, and sexuality; but the controversy and debate surrounding Othello is â€Å"Why is Othello a qualification for a tragedy?† Most readers are aware of the many famous deaths or acts of death within the Shakespearean plays. And when the main characters die in Shakespeare’s plays, indeedRead MoreThe Tragic Flaw Of Shakespeare s Othello1108 Words   |  5 Pages â€Å"Othello† tragedy, written by Williame Shakespeare, is an excellent example of Renaissance humanism. Tragedy is a drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw. Othello was brought down by a fatal fault jealousy in his character. Shakespeare s other great tragedies -- Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear -- deal with issues that affect the well-being of entire nations, whereas Othello is a tragedy withRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare Essay1203 Words   |  5 PagesDramatic play entitled Othello is an unusual story full of jealousy, dark misunderstandings, lies, and regrets. Following Aristotle s definition of a true tragedy, w here does the tale of Othello fall? Is Othello too dramatic too be considered a tragedy or does it barely fall along the lines of tragic? Shakespeare s innovation with poetry and dramatic plays have been recognized by critics and playgoers throughout the centuries (Lee,1899). The Bard s play entitled Othello, is among some of the mostRead MoreThe Tragic Tragedy Of William Shakespeare s Othello1523 Words   |  7 PagesAristotle’s definition fits perfectly with William Shakespeare epic play, Othello. The famous Shakespeare play is about the downfall of a Moorish general who expresses jealousy and murder. Othello was an amazing general for the Venice army, but his downfall cost him everything he loved so dearly. He killed his own wife because he believes Iago’s lies about her cheating on him. His beliefs in Iago cost him everything that is precious to him. Othello can be seen as a great tragedy, and the play filled