Pros and Cons of Raising a Minimum Wage Essay - 1126 Words

Minimum Wage A minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that employers have to compensate the workers for their service. Currently the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. However, many states also have their own minimum wage laws. In those instances, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. In this paper we will discuss the brief history of the minimum wage law and its current legislation. We will also analyze the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage, and the merits of each argument. The minimum wage was first introduced in New Zealand in 1894. It wasn’t until 1938, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the first US minimum wage law called the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA sets†¦show more content†¦They believe that a minimum wage increase is needed to continually maintain its value. The federal minimum wage is not adjusted for inflation therefore every time inflation goes up and the minimum wage remains the sa me, its value decreases. â€Å"The value of the minimum wage in real dollar terms has risen and fallen on political tides, peaking in 1968 when an hour’s wage pay bought nearly 5 gallons of gas. By 2006, it paid for less than 2 gallons† (Fitzpatrick, 2009). Those who oppose the Fair Minimum Wage Act argue that higher wages will cause higher unemployment. These supporters are generally Republicans and employers of small businesses. They believe businesses will not be able to afford to pay higher wages and therefore must lay off employees. They also believe that increasing the minimum wage can jeopardize small businesses because smaller businesses operate at a smaller profit margin than large companies. Therefore, some smaller businesses would need to lay off employees to reduce their overhead costs and some may be forced out of business completely. Furthermore, they believe increasing the minimum wage will make inflation go up. They believe businesses have no choic e but to pass the increase in cost to the customers by increasing prices of their products and services. ANALYSIS OF ARGUMENTS Those in favor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act, claim this act will restore the minimum wage value and provide for theShow MoreRelatedPros And Cons Of Raising The Minimum Wage1908 Words   |  8 PagesTai K. Lamar Jennifer Chicosky ENG-111-IN1 07/21/17 Raising the Minimum Wage from $7.25 Can you live off $7.25 an hour? Would you be able to pay all your bills, and have plenty of money left over for food, as well as personal pleasures? Imagine your salary was cut down to a forty-hour work week at the minimum wage salary in your state. Can you save money while on a minimum wage hourly salary? These same questions are on the minds of many Americans that are currently facing these struggles every timeRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Raising The Minimum Wage993 Words   |  4 PagesAlthough it is not a new topic in America, the decision to raise the minimum wage continues to be controversial, especially in the political realm. The political parties still move to block the opposing party from successfully implanting their ideals, causing either nothing to be accomplished or the situation to worsen. Research shows that raising the minimum wage a reasonable amount would lessen the gap between the rich and the poor, continue to fulfill its original purpose of protecting workers Read MoreEssay on Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage1156 Words   |  5 PagesPros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage When you picture a minimum wage worker, who do you picture? Do you see a sixteen year old, a middle-aged mother, a college graduate, or even a senior citizen worker? In September of 2013, California governor Jerry Brown signed a new bill into act that would cause the California minimum wage to rise from the current $8.00 and hour to $10.00 and hour in increments over the next three years. The minimum wage rate will go up in two separate $1.00 boosts.Read MorePros And Cons Of Raising The Minimum Wage1122 Words   |  5 PagesSince 2009, the federal minimum wage rate for employees has been $7.25 per hour. In retrospect, this is hardly enough pay to take care of one’s self-- let alone a family with children. If a person were to add up the average cost of living for one week and then compare it to the average amount of money earned in minimum wage for that week, it would be apparent that there is little to no extra money for emergency situations. Increasing the minimum wage has been a major controversial issue; DemocratsRead MoreU.s. Federal Minimum Wage Essay1162 Words   |  5 PagesFederal Minimum Wage is $7.25 per hour. In just two years from 2013, the demanded from advocates for raising minimum wage rose from $9 to $15. However, raising the minimum wage is more complex than simply raising the number of federal standard of pay for employees. Relative control groups and other market activities play a part in the outcome of the minimum wage. For example, one instance of market activity was observers said that raising the minimum wage did not hurt individuals; however, wages wereRead MoreEffects of Increasing Minimum Wage794 Words   |  3 Pagesa federal minimum wage is a good one. The idea is to protect low and unskilled workers and allow workers to earn a living wage. The recent debate on the floor, though, is whether or not to raise the minimum wage from the current $7.25 per hour up to $10.10. President Barack Obama made this proposal during his an nual State of the Union Address, and after this there were many hot debates about it. The debates focused not only on the pro side and the con side of increasing the minimum wage, but alsoRead MoreMinimum Wage And The Wage1573 Words   |  7 Pages What is minimum wage? It is the lowest amount that employers must pay their workers per hour of their labor, legally prescribed by federal government. According to Bureau of Labor Statics, United States Department of Labor, minimum wage was first introduced in United States by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1938 called Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA). The initial minimum wage was set to $0.25 per hour in 1938 (Grossman). The minimum wage was increased twenty-two times from 1938 to 2009. AtRead MorePersuasive Essay Outline :Minimum Wage964 Words   |  4 Pages Persuasive Essay Outline :Minimum Wage 1 Intro - I want you to think about your very first job .Were you a Bellhop ,cashier ,bartender ,cooks(fast food ),lifeguard, .Now how about your second job were you a airport worker or child care worker.About how much were youRead MoreBenefits Of Working For Minimum Wage907 Words   |  4 Pagestheir employe’s hourly wages based on a minimum wage. Today in America we have many hard workers who are working for minimum wage which consists of $7.25 per hour. There is some businesses that believe all employees should be paid at minimum wage while other businesses pay well over minimum wage. Skills, attitude, responsibility and work ethic all affect how employers base employees hourly wage. When looking at the economy the government should not increase mnimum wages, there are many factorsRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage? Essay1217 Words   |  5 PagesThe minimum wage is one of the most discussed issues around the country. Everyone has a different opinion if raising the minimum wage would help families across the country to have a better lifestyle or if would cause an unbalance in the economy. Democrats and Republicans have a different view on this issue, while Democrats supports raising the minimum wage by $15 an hour, Republicans have stated that they refuse increasing the wage because it would leave different factions of Americans outside of

The Body System The Endocrine System - 1419 Words

The action of typing this assignment involves almost all the body systems: the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system (brain, nerves, and spinal cord), the integumentary system, the respiratory system, lymphatic system, digestive system, urinary system, immune system, and the muscular system. The nervous system and the muscular system work together to perform the action, while all the other systems provide the necessary support such as the energy required, the oxygen required, and the skeletal support required. The nervous system is the master communications and controlling system of the body. It is organized into two main divisions: the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and the Central Nervous System (CNS). CNS†¦show more content†¦The sodium-potassium pump plays an important role in depolarization and repolarization of the action potentials of the membrane. When the membrane is at resting potential, the sodium and potassium channels are closed. The stimulus starts the depolarization of the membrane to a threshold, after which sodium channels are opened. A large influx of sodium ions into the cell generates a positive membrane potential and causes rapid depolarization as a result of which an action potential is generated. As the membrane potential reaches +30 V, the sodium channels get inactivated, and the potassium channels are opened. The potassium ions move out of the cells beginning the repolarization of the membrane and restore it to its resting potential (Martini et al. pp. 40 8-409). These action potentials developed by the stimulus are carried by the axons of the sensory neurons to the CNS. The information carried by the action potentials is processed at every relay synapse, and is sent to the multiple nuclei and centers in spinal cord and brain (Martini et al. p. 510). In the brain, the general somatic sensory information is relayed to the Primary Somatosensory Cortex neurons. The Premotor Cortex (Somatic Sensory Association Area) interprets the received sensory information, and the instructions to type are relayed to the Primary Motor Cortex. The Primary

Night Creature Hunter’s Moon Chapter 23 Free Essays

â€Å"Don’t,† I said. I tried to get up, but Damien held on. He was taller than me and a whole lot stronger. We will write a custom essay sample on Night Creature: Hunter’s Moon Chapter 23 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Besides, it was hard to fight someone while buck naked and sexually languid. Though my head said run, my body said walk, or perhaps lie here and do it again. â€Å"Let me go.† â€Å"No.† He continued to rub my back. Fingers drifting along my scar, thumbs sliding against my spine. One movement relaxed me; the other made me want to jump out of my skin. â€Å"Why are you embarrassed by this?† he murmured. I didn’t answer, couldn’t speak. My eyes burned and my throat went tight. The scar would forever remind me that I had been the one to bring disaster down on everyone I loved. It was fitting that Hector had made me as ugly outside as I was inside. What kind of woman slept with one man when she was engaged to another? That was a rhetorical question. I can spell slut as well as the next guy. When I got up, Damien let me go. When I went to get my clothes, he followed. I tensed, expecting him to touch me again. Instead, he kissed me – right on my scar. I spun around and slapped him. The sound of the blow was crisp in the silence of the early morning. A red slash rose on the pale skin of his cheek. â€Å"I’m sorry,† I whispered, horrified that I’d struck him. He ignored my apology, ignored what I’d done, what I’d said, to take me in his arms and lay his palms all over my back again. â€Å"Do you think this makes you ugly?† â€Å"I don’t need a scar for that.† His eyebrows lifted and he tilted his head. I pulled out of his embrace. I’d said too much. I had to get out of here before I blabbed every secret in my head. I put on my pants, reached for my shirt, and his fingers circled my wrist. â€Å"Leigh, talk to me. I’d like to understand.† His gentle voice did me in. Tears seeped from my eyes. I had to make them stop. Big, bad werewolf hunters did not cry. Petite, blond girlie-girls did. They also got their families murdered before their eyes while powerless to do anything about it. I was no longer that girl; I was the hunter. I tore away from his touch, threw on my shirt, and ran out of the bar, then up the stairs. Once in my room I shut and locked the door. I was alone. I should be happy. Instead, the sadness, the loneliness, pressed at me. I needed to see Jimmy. To remember what it had felt like to love and then lose him. â€Å"I can’t live through that again,† I whispered. I was tearing through my suitcase, tossing clothes onto the floor, desperate to find the only snapshot I’d kept of him, when the door behind me clicked open. I spun around. Damien stood in the doorway. There was a key in the lock. â€Å"You can’t just come in here.† My brave words would have sounded better without the tears on my face and the wobble in my voice. He removed the key, tucked it into his pocket, and closed the door. â€Å"Talk to me,† he repeated. â€Å"I can’t.† He was half-naked again – loose black pants, no shirt, no shoes. He’d get very little service here. â€Å"You think you’re ugly because of a scar. You don’t know what ugly is.† Actually, I did. I’d been killing it for two years now. But I couldn’t share that with him any more than I could share anything else. â€Å"There’s such ugliness in this world, Leigh. So much sadness, so much loneliness. I’ve seen some pretty awful things, moving around like I do. Met some truly ugly people.† He thought I was upset because I was maimed. I was, but not because of the mark, because of what it represented. Hector was coming back for me. It was only a matter of time. And if Damien was in his way, he’d end up just like Jimmy. â€Å"This can’t happen again,† I blurted. Only a foot away, he reached out and yanked me against him. Shocked, I let him. He kissed me – mouth open, tongue searching, teeth clashing. Lifting his head, he murmured, â€Å"You mean that?† â€Å"Y-y-yes.† â€Å"Maybe it can’t, but it will. You know it, and I know it. I can’t stop touching you. You can’t stop wanting me to.† I’d have accused him of being arrogant if he hadn’t been right. Which only made me more panicked. More frightened. More desperate. â€Å"No.† I shoved him away with both hands to his chest. He barely moved. Grabbing my forearms, he dragged me onto my tiptoes. With my feet off the ground and my hands captured I could do nothing but stare at him. â€Å"Yes,† he insisted, and his eyes deepened from hazel to brown. â€Å"You want this to be just sex? Fine. It’s just sex. If that’s all you can give me, then that’s what I’ll take.† He licked a tear from my cheek. I shuddered as my body cried out for his. â€Å"Damien – â€Å" He kissed me again. This time I straggled. He was right. I wanted him beyond all reason, and that terrified me. The door crashed open. Suddenly Damien was gone. I stumbled and nearly fell. Then I could only watch as Will socked Damien in the jaw. I opened my mouth to shout, â€Å"No,† but Damien’s fist shot out almost too fast to see. It was certainly too fast to avoid. Will’s chin snapped back. The two shook their heads like dogs who’d been doused in water, then circled each other. I took a step forward just as Will did some fancy Oriental round kick. Damien caught Will’s foot right before it connected with his nose. I blinked, impressed. Then Damien shoved and Will tumbled to the floor. I grabbed Damien’s arm. He shook me off. His face was set, his eyes wild. This was not good. Will flipped from his back onto his feet in a lithe gym-nastic movement. He jabbed, feinted, and knocked Damien’s legs out from under him. Damien went down hard. Will advanced, lip raised in a semisnarl. What was the matter with these guys? They were no better than animals. I jumped on Will’s back. â€Å"Stop,† I panted. Will kept going, and I cocked my arm around his throat, tightened just a little. He choked and froze, giving Damien a chance to get to his feet. He appeared extremely pissed. Jessie chose that moment to walk in my door. â€Å"What the – ?† She yanked me off the boyfriend by my hair – a neat trick, considering the length of it. I’d known we’d go round and round; I just hadn’t expected it to be like this. We were adults, law enforcement officials, comrades in arms. We shouldn’t be screeching and scratching and fighting like girls. But we were. I was angry – at myself, the world, you name it. She was pretty mad, too. I guess I couldn’t blame her. She’d seen me jump on her boyfriend and try to choke him. What did I expect? A present? What I got was a scratched cheek, a bruised wrist, and a kick in the shin. The last really hurt. â€Å"Bitch!† I snarled, and I went for her eyes with my thumbs. Someone hauled me back. Jessie came after me with her hands crooked into claws. Will caught her around the waist. The two of them crashed to the floor and rolled around. I was having enough trouble of my own. An iron band was choking off my air. I glanced down and recognized Damien’s arm. He was holding me off the ground. I was kicking him in the knee. â€Å"Relax, Leigh. Calm down.† â€Å"Easy for you to say,† I wheezed. He kissed my neck, just below my ear. â€Å"Hush,† he whispered, and amazingly, I wanted to. I went limp in his arms and he set my feet back on the floor. â€Å"Let me go,† I demanded. â€Å"I don’t think so.† He kept his arm around my waist, though he loosened his grip so I could breathe. My entire back was pressed to his front, and he appeared awful glad to see me. No wonder he didn’t want to let me go. In those pants of his, everyone would know how very much he liked me. Jessie was still cursing, so Will sat on her. â€Å"Jeez, Jess, if you’re gonna have a catfight, at least tear off some clothes, fall in a lake.† â€Å"Find a vat of Jell-O,† Damien muttered. Will glanced at him and smirked. â€Å"Exactly. Make it worth our while.† I frowned. The two of them had been bent on killing each other only moments before; now they were pals? Jessie and I exchanged glances. â€Å"Men,† we said at the same time, with the same disgusted inflection. They ignored us. â€Å"I take it you know Leigh,† Will said. â€Å"And you appear on good terms with the sheriff.† â€Å"I thought you were hurting her,† Will explained. â€Å"We were having a minor disagreement. I appreciate your taking care of her.† â€Å"Her is right here,† I growled. â€Å"And she can take care of herself.† â€Å"Of course she can,† Damien said easily, and released me. I spun around with narrowed eyes. His words had sounded suspiciously patronizing. The red mark on his jaw made all the fight drain out of me. I wanted to touch him, to hold him. Behavior from days gone by when I’d been a nurturer and a caregiver. I was neither any longer, so I tucked my hands into my pockets and turned away. Jessie tried to throw Will off her back but had no luck. â€Å"Get off me, Cadotte; you weigh a ton.† â€Å"You promise to play nice?† â€Å"Hell, no.† â€Å"That’s what I thought.† He got off her anyway. Jessie bounced to her feet and sent me a glare. I raised my hands. â€Å"I surrender.† â€Å"Good. I don’t want to give the two of them any more stiffies.† She lowered her gaze to Damien’s pants. â€Å"Although he doesn’t seem to need any help.† Her eyes flicked to me. â€Å"What have you been up to?† â€Å"Jess, mind your own business,† Will said. â€Å"She is my business.† â€Å"You wish.† Jessie ignored me. â€Å"Who the hell are you, Fitzgerald? Where did you come from?† â€Å"Around.† â€Å"You’re working for cash. That’s illegal.† Damien held out his wrists. â€Å"Arrest me.† Jessie’s lips tightened. â€Å"Maybe later.† He turned his attention to me. â€Å"You had her check me out?† I shrugged. â€Å"Better safe than sorry.† â€Å"And what did you find?† â€Å"Not one damn thing,† Jessie interjected. â€Å"No one’s that perfect. You’ve got secrets, Fitzgerald, and I want to know what they are.† â€Å"Get in line,† he muttered. The room went silent. Jessie glared at Damien. I glared at Jessie. Damien glared at me. Will was the only one who didn’t seem upset. Anymore. â€Å"So where did you study?† Will asked. Damien blinked and turned to him. â€Å"Study what?† â€Å"Self-defense.† â€Å"The school of hard knocks.† â€Å"You’ve never had formal training?† Will appeared shocked. â€Å"I’ve been doing tai chi for quite a few years. You’re as quick as anyone I’ve ever seen.† â€Å"Thanks.† Damien didn’t elaborate. Another little secret to add to the pile. I couldn’t throw stones. I wasn’t going to tell him about my past, either. â€Å"What are you two doing here?† I asked. The last time I’d seen them they’d been fighting. Right about now they should be†¦ making up. â€Å"I had a call from Elwood,† Jessie said. For a minute I had no idea who she was talking about. Then I remembered Elwood was the deputy. Jessie had given him the picture of Hector. If Elwood had called, then – The blood drained from my face and I swayed. â€Å"Leigh!† Damien caught me, but I shoved him away. â€Å"I’m all right.† Jessie and Will were staring at me as if I’d sprouted two heads. â€Å"What’s the matter with you?† she demanded. â€Å"We need to check out a new wolf kill. I can’t have you puking in the bushes on the way.† â€Å"Wolf kill?† I said faintly. â€Å"Yes. Elwood came across – † She broke off and glanced at Damien. â€Å"You mind?† â€Å"Uh†¦ no. Sure.† He squeezed my shoulders. â€Å"I’ve got to get some sleep.† He kissed my forehead and I resisted the urge to cling. â€Å"I’ll see you later.† The sound of his footsteps clattering down the steps receded far too quickly. Why I suddenly associated Damien with safety I wasn’t sure, but I needed to stop. The only person I could depend on was myself – and maybe Edward. â€Å"Elwood didn’t recognize Hector?† I blurted. â€Å"What?† Jessie had been scowling at the door. â€Å"Oh, that’s why you went white. I haven’t shown him the picture yet. I was going to when we reached the site.† Will sighed. â€Å"Sorry, Leigh. Jess gets focused on one thing, to the exclusion of all else. She didn’t mean to scare you.† Obviously Jessie had told Will about Hector. Or at least as much as she knew. â€Å"I can apologize for myself.† Jessie glanced at me. â€Å"I wasn’t thinking.† I shrugged. It wasn’t her fault I was crippled by the thought of Hector Menendez anywhere near me. â€Å"You think this guy could be the one we’re looking for?† Will asked. â€Å"I don’t know.† â€Å"Who else could it be?† Jessie demanded. â€Å"Herman is Hector. He’s a cannibalistic serial killer. Hector is the white wolf.† â€Å"I don’t know if the white wolf I saw was Hector. I never got close enough to see this one’s eyes. Besides, I’ve seen white wolves before when they weren’t really there.† I frowned. â€Å"Just not lately.† â€Å"He’s here,† Jessie said. â€Å"But – â€Å" â€Å"No buts. He’s here somewhere. We’re going to find him and cut out the bastard’s heart.† â€Å"She likes you,† Will murmured. â€Å"I can tell.† Jessie gave him a narrow-eyed glare before returning her attention to me. â€Å"You’re not crazy, Leigh, not anymore.† I wished I could be as certain of that as she was. How to cite Night Creature: Hunter’s Moon Chapter 23, Essay examples

Implications Of Managing Technology Driven â€Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Implications Of Managing Technology Driven Globalization? Answer: Introducation Globalization has led to many positive changes in the world. Most of these changes are technology-driven. Technological break-throughs have led to many changes in work places, schools and homes. This has led to things been done faster and turn-around times of many processes reducing drastically. This fast pace however, also leads to a number of challenges. The first challenge is that there are many cultural differences, which influence the way people work (Young Platt 2016). The fast pace may lead to cultures not being able to interact well as some people may not be comfortable in doing things too fast. Another challenge that may be faced is employees may lose interest and get de-motivated. This is because workload will be high as everything is needed fast. This will lead to burnout and employees begin feeling stressed when they think about work. The fast pace that has been adopted can easily lead to more mistakes. Due to very strict deadlines and pressures to meet them, employees e nd up making mistakes, as they have to work extra-fast so that they cope with targets (Young Platt 2016). As much as technological break-throughs bring positivity, organizations need to find ways of coping with the negative effects brought about by fast-paced environments. Reference Summary: Crozet, C., 2017. Globalization and Culture.Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance, pp.1-8. The above reference looks at globalization and its effect on culture from different perspectives such as anthropology, sociology and international relations. It looks at how culture has been affected by globalization and in effect, the kind of impact it has had on various lives. Globalization has changed the way some things are done in different cultures and this also has an effect on human behavior and the way tasks are performed. References Young, J.T. and Platt, J.J., 2016. Rethinking identity: Globalization and technology.International Journal of Psychology,51, p.650

The Sovereignty and Goodness of God

The True History of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson Throughout the history of the planet exploration, the pioneers who dared to set their foot on a new terrain not infrequently faced a multitude of obstacles and barriers ranging from purely practical difficulties of settling in a new environment to spiritual conflicts between the cultural worlds of the aborigines and the newcomers.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Sovereignty and Goodness of God specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the early decades of American colonization, the settlers found moral support in their religious background based on Protestant values. Mary Rowlandson in her captivity narrative Captivity and Restoration dwells on a dramatic period in her life when she was taken hostage by the Native Americans and approaches the events from the position of her Protestant beliefs, which not infrequently lead her to misinterpreta tion of human actions as those purely guided by God’s will. Mrs Rowlandson’s Protestant outlook reveals itself throughout the whole narrative in her reaction to the current events as those predestined by God and sent to mere mortals as either a challenge or a reward. The wife of a pastor, Mrs Rowlandson constantly quotes the Bible which stands for the symbol of her faith and, when she comes into possession of one, serves as a source of inspiration and moral support both for her and her fellow captives. Not once in the worst moments of despair did she open the Bible and find quotes that provided consolation for the woman who preferred to perceive the reality through her religious convictions: â€Å"God was with me in a wonderful manner, carrying me along, and bearing up my spirit, that it did not quite fail† (Rowlandson 10). The Bible represents Mrs Rowlandson’s guide through the hardships of captivity, and yet leads to a series of delusions that prevent h er from seeing things as they are. According to the Protestant tradition, the Native Americans are viewed by Mrs Rowlandson as the representatives of the evil world totally opposed to the good Christians. The multiple epithets she uses to refer to the Indians are rather revealing: â€Å"murderous wretches†, â€Å"merciless heathen†, â€Å"the infidels†, â€Å"hell-hounds†, â€Å"barbarous creatures†, â€Å"pagans†, â€Å"wild beasts of the forests† (Rowlandson 6–9, 12, 18). Standardly considering the Protestant community to be the concentration of all holy and righteous, Mrs Rowlandson looks down upon her captors as hopelessly cruel and barbarous animals possessing nothing humane. However, such understanding of the Indians is utterly refuted by their attitude to the captured lady: throughout the whole period of her detention, the Indians take care of her not worse than of themselves, offering her food, shelter and remuneration for the small handwork she does for them.Advertising Looking for report on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On one occurrence they even see to it that Mrs Rowlandson’s feet do not get wet while their own are soaking; on another occurrence instead of burning the Bible none of them needs, the Indians choose to offer it to Mrs Rowlandson (Rowlandson 16, 19). But despite all their efforts, Mrs Rowlandson never acknowledges them as humane and considerate creatures, and ascribes all the positive experiences to God’s will. Mrs Rowlandson’s unshakeable belief in the immutability of God’s power over the Christians leads to her erroneous attitude towards the Indians who actually care about her, and prevents her from understanding and accepting their unique culture. In her fanatic belief, she fails to notice the resemblance between the religious ceremonies of the Indians and the Christians, and to recognize that human values of hospitality and care are common to every culture. When Mrs Rowlandson is held captive, her gratitude for the good things applies exclusively to God, and not to the people who actually do that good to her. The more hypocritical appears her praise of ‘the good Christians’ who act as benefactors to her after her release, since thus she reveals the attitude of inequality and discrimination characteristic of the sanctimonious moralists of the time. Works Cited Rowlandson, Mary. Captivity and Restoration. Fairfield, IA: 1st World Library, 2005. Print. This report on The Sovereignty and Goodness of God was written and submitted by user Ayden Weiss to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Can Social Structure Determine Individual Identity

Can Social Structure Determine Individual Identity Introduction Social structure can be defined as â€Å"patterned social arrangements in society that emerge from and also determine the actions of individuals† (Abrahams, 2006). At the macro level, social structure describes the socio-economic stratification system. At the micro level, social structure explains how the behaviors and actions of individuals are influenced by the norms of a given social system.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Can Social Structure Determine Individual Identity? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conceptualizing social structure as a pattern of relationships between various groups implies that the society comprises structurally related groups as well as roles. These groups have specific meanings as well as purposes. Individual identify refers to the set of cues and signals that differentiate persons in society. Identity is embedded in the self. The self develops through social interac tions that occur in complex, organized and differentiated societies. Consequently, the self is a reflection of the society and describes the link between social structure and identity determination. This paper attempts to explain how identity is determined through social structure. The theory of catnets as well as the theory of group expansion and development of individuality will be used in the explanation. Group Expansion and the Development of Individuality: Simmel This theory explains the relationship that exists between an individual and the society by singling out the relational pattern that is not only situationally and historically dependent, but is also developed through interactions (Calhoun, Classical Sociological Theory, 2007). The society is characterized by a typical and predictable structure that changes over time, and also varies in different institutional arrangements. However, there is an unchangeable ratio that links social differentiation and the group size. Grea ter differentiation tends to occur in large groups as compared to small ones. Simmel asserts that individuals exhibit a dualist drive. Individuals also live a dual relation in the sense that they derive satisfaction both in their distinction and in their belonging (Calhoun, Classical Sociological Theory, 2007).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The family is considered an extension of an individual’s personality. Additionally, the family illustrates how a given social circle can function under various perspectives and circumstances. In conclusion, individuality increases as the social circle in which an individual belong expands. This implies that social differentiation increases due to quantitative expansion of social groups. The Catnets by H White A net is a set of relationships that exist between pairs of people. The members of the net have meaningful and indir ect relationships with each other. However, the indirect relations are not institutionalized (Calhoun, Contemporary Sociological Theory, 2007). Relations within the net are partially recognized and conceptualized in concrete terms instead of being considered as well-defined relations. The existence of the net is indefinite, and each net has a culture observed by the members. A cat refers to a group of people associated with similar attributes. Membership within a cat is only important in the â€Å"context of the whole structure formed by the group† (Calhoun, Contemporary Sociological Theory, 2007). Thus, a catnets relationship can develop either from a net or a cat. A culture is developed to enable individuals to visualize, operate and transform their social structure. For instance, individuals enter and leave a net through specific rules. Concepts and Theoretical Strategy The theory of group expansion and the development of individuality explain how interactions of individua ls within a social group lead to the development of identity (Calhoun, Classical Sociological Theory, 2007). As the group increases in size, differentiation also increases, hence the development of individuality. Thus, this theory explains both action and social structure. In particular, it explains the actions (interaction) of individuals within a group and how such actions affect the social structure. The theory focuses on both macro and micro level of analysis by considering the individual and the group. The theory of catnets explains the relationships within various social groups and how such relationships lead to the development of identity (Calhoun, Classical Sociological Theory, 2007). According to this theory, each group has its culture which determines the relationships of its members. Thus, the theory explains the social structure. According to White’s theory, membership in a social group is meaningful only in the perspective the whole structure developed by the gro up’s members. Consequently, White’s analysis focuses on groups within the society.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Can Social Structure Determine Individual Identity? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Causal Relationships Simmel’s theory describes the relationship between group expansion and individuality. Simmel notes that individuals are enclosed either broadly or narrowly by concentric circles that represent spatial interests. He points out that a small group such as the family, offers individuals initial differentiation before they join larger groups in the society. In this context, development of individuality is determined by the expansion of the social group. The developed individuality determines one’s identity. Thus, social structure can determine individual identity. Whites’ theory illustrates how social interactions within groups shape one’s identity. According to White’s theory, each group has a culture that helps them to develop their social structure. In this case, social structure determines individual identity in the sense that individuals are identified by the attributes of the culture associated with their social structure. Internal Validity The group expansion and development of individuality theory is concrete. The claim that individuality and differentiation increases as the size of the group increases can be explained on the basis of freedom. It is a fact that members of large social groups have greater freedom as compared to members of small social groups (Abrahams, 2006). The high level of freedom enhances the development of individuality. The theory also yield testable hypothesis that can be operationalized in social science research. For instance, we can hypothesize that freedom cause individuality. In this case, freedom can be operationalized in terms of measurable variables such as access to resources, ability to make personal decisions and rules that govern relationships. The theory of catnets is both generalizable and falsifiable. It is generalizable due to the fact that most relationships within social groups are based on some rules. Such rules are formulated based on the culture associated with the group. The theory is falsifiable since nets might not continue indefinitely in all circumstances as claimed by White. In some cases, assimilation can lead to the loss of cultural attributes that determine relationships (Abrahams, 2006).Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In such cases, the net can either be discontinued or it can be significantly changed from its original state. The theory of catnets can yield testable hypothesis that can be operationalized in social science research. For instance, we can hypothesize that culture determines individual identity. In this case, we can operationalize culture in terms of norms, means of production and lifestyles. External Validity The external validity of catnets theory can be illustrated by the social class structure. Members of upper class and lower class have unique cultures that define how they operate within and modify their class. For instance, the upper class tends to dress in expensive clothes and uphold good manners. However, the upper class is made up of several individuals. Consequently, an individual can only be identified with the attributes of the upper class if he belongs to the group that is considered to be upper class. The external validity of Simmel’s theory can also be explaine d through empirical evidence. The weakening of family ties in America, for instance, explains Simmel’s theory. As the families disintegrate in America, citizens tend to join large groups such as single mothers, divorcees and single fathers. These large social groups enable their members to have freedom and take control of their lives. For instance, a single mother will not experience the interference of a husband in her life. The lack of interference in the large social groups promotes differentiation since everyone is in charge of their lives. Thus, the differentiation translates into individuality. Conclusion Social structure is determined by the actions of individuals. It is developed through interactions and relationships of members of various social groups. The social structure informs the development of the self which in turn determines the development of individual identity. According to catnets theory, people develop cultures that help them to establish their social s tructure (Calhoun, Contemporary Sociological Theory, 2007). By belonging to the established social structures, and exhibiting the attributes associated with the social structure, individuals acquire their identity. The group expansion and development of identity theory asserts that differentiation and individuality increases as social groups increase in size. The expansion of the group leads to freedom that enables individuals to develop their identity. Consequently, social structure can determine individual identity. References Abrahams, F. (2006). Contemporary Sociology. New York: McGraw-Hill. Calhoun, C. (2007). Classical Sociological Theory. New York: Blackwell. Calhoun, C. (2007). Contemporary Sociological Theory. New York: Blackwell.

Chumash uprising 1824 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Chumash uprising 1824 - Research Paper Example This binary between the colonial and the colonized cultures was, understandably, something that the native communities found very hard to digest. The Chumash Uprising of 1824 was one such revolt that made it clear to the Spanish colonizers that a mindless devaluation of indigenous cultures and traditions would not be tolerated. There was little that these cultures could do in these situations in terms of their military might; however, they were able to mount cultural challenges through the preservation of their own cultures. This is what the Chumash did as well. Despite reverses as far as the military aspect of their revolt was concerned, they preserved their culture in certain ways through a following of their own religions and modes of production. However, one needs to explore why the Chumash felt the need to revolt in the first place. This was definitely because of the Spanish attempts to efface their culture and the indigenous modes of being. This led to tension that then bubbled over in the form of the Chumash uprising of 1824. This was then something that can be looked at as an assertion of an indigenous identity and the symbols and signs that are attached to it. The Spanish attempt to spread Catholicism was also a potent cause for the uprising. Indigenous cultures all around the world had religions of its own. The Chumash were no different as far as this aspect was concerned. They had their own religions and ways of living. This was what the Spanish colonizers chose to challenge as part of their mission. This was part of an impulse where they believed that they had a good knowledge of the Chumash society and their culture. This knowledge is what they used for the purpose of exercising their control over the Chumash society. Edward Said, in his seminal work on postcolonial societies and the phenomenon of colonialism, says that this notion of knowledge was then converted into power by the colonizers (Said 2000, 12). However, their imperfect knowledge led t o slippages in the exercise of their power and laid open room for revolts and uprisings such as the one that was carried out by the Chumash. The interstices of colonial narratives need to be looked into for a better understanding of such issues. They would help one understand the points at which the colonizer’s power was subverted and challenged. This would then lead to a better understanding even of postcolonial societies in general as a reconstruction of history is necessary for a better understanding of these societies. Another aspect of the colonization was the fact that the colonizers always encouraged only the nobility of the native country (Jackson and Castillo 1995, 36–37). If there was any possibility for the commoners to be a part of the colonial administration, there may have been a possibility that the natives would have cooperated with the colonial administration. However, this was not so in the case of the Chumash. The colonial administration often collab orated with the native nobility so as to oppress the commoners. This resulted in whatever support may have been possible for the colonizers to not emerge. This is not to point out any positive effect that colonialism may have had, but only to highlight how there was a nexus between the colonizer and the upper echelons of the colonized society. This then led to greater

GENETIC VARIATION IN B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE PATHWAY AFFECTS BNP Research Proposal - 1

GENETIC VARIATION IN B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE PATHWAY AFFECTS BNP LEVEL in the diagnosis of Heart failure - Research Proposal Example To help establish the outcomes, the study will be embedded on extracting DNA samples from 80 patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization and analyzing with exclusion done on patients with elevated troponin. This will be driven by a detailed data collection including laboratory, standard demographic, catheterization and echocardiographic data. The Genotype will be evaluated at 19 loci on five BNP’s pathway relevant genes (Knowles, Erickson, Guy et al, 2003). To access the incremental influence of the genetic variants, the researcher will employ the Multivariate linear regression of logBNP model adjusted for clinical variables. The proposal will thus try to help properly incorporate the use of NPs to improve the levels of accuracy with respect to decisions made in an emergency setting to curb the missed incidence of diagnostic failures for HF. This will be measured by reduced cases of fatigue, dyspnea, and fluid retention that are all predisposing factors to HF based on cardiac dysfunction hence presenting difficulties in diagnosing HF. The missed incidence are hence strongly correlate to highly significant mortality increases, presenting the need for designing effective diagnostic tools with higher degrees of specification and sensitivity that if employed, can help weed out the increased cases of HF missed diagnose s and particularly, in the busy Heart failure is characterized by its typical but non-specific symptoms like fatigue, dyspnea and fluid retention caused by dysfunction of cardiac which present daunting challenges for diagnosis of HF culminating into increased missed incidence hence higher mortality rates. For this reason, the topic has captured the attention of various researchers to help design effective mechanism and approaches that can be used during diagnosis to detect this catastrophic cardiovascular disease quickly and accurately. For instance, to gauge the potentiality of NPs in augmenting the clinical judgment and/or standard

Love - And Its Portrayal In Literature Research Paper

Love - And Its Portrayal In Literature - Research Paper Example It is an emotion felt when one makes himself vulnerable to the idea of being loved by someone else. It is full of regard and affection for another person; love is not love until it is for someone, however in many cases love is used selfishly in order to get past certain obstacles in life. All over the world, throughout times immemorial, love has been a very vivid and stark feeling portrayed everywhere. Some people that are in love with each other are not afraid to show it, they in fact engage in being affectionate each other wherever they are, without caring about the rest of the world or societal norms. However, there are some people that are not so open about their love; they feel constricted in a manner that they are not aware of how to show their feelings to others because they are afraid of being judged by others. Love is not something that can be judged by someone who is not feeling it. Those who do not open themselves to the idea of love will not be able to know how to feel it . Love is not a closed feeling, it can be towards anything. A person starts learning how to love with the help of the family and environment he grows up in. Being loved is not about having both parents or many siblings; it is in fact about how a person is able to learn to love whatever family he is born into, and whatever the circumstances might be. It is about adapting to someone else’s needs and habituating oneself beautifully in a manner befitting ease. According to the Bible: Corinthians Chapter 1, 13:4-7, â€Å"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love is like air. You can't see it, but you can feel it.† Since the time of Adam and Eve and the apple on the tree, a new feeling is said to hav e arisen in the world in the form of love and its other aspects. The two felt ashamed of being around each other completely naked, because they started developing feelings for one another. Adam and Eve have been said to try and cover themselves from one another all of a sudden after eating the sacred fruit because they realised that a man and a woman have the capacity to be able to love each other and try and impress the other in order to be loved back by them. In all aspects of life, one is able to find love. It could be with anything, and for anything. Children love their parents, and as they grow older into teenagers and adolescents, they begin loving other people around them. As one gets to know more and more people, he understands truly the effect love and friendship can have. To be loved by someone is a true boon gifted to all of mankind by God. Having someone care for you and love you when the entire world seems to be against you is a feeling people will know only if they ope n their hearts and let themselves be loved. Along with love comes trust and commitment; these are responsibilities that people should be willing to accept if they want to be in love and love another person. In love, a person gives his or her heart away to another person, and in turn the other should take care of that heart and not cause it to break. In giving away such a large part of one self, a person thrusts a large amount of trust on the other. Many people say that love in the 21st century is not like it used to be earlier. In this modern era of technology, people have a habit of falling in love with the idea of love as they ‘hook up’ with any random person over the internet and with a few exchanges of niceties, ‘fall in love’

Interventions for Smoking Cessation

Interventions for Smoking Cessation Introduction Health literacy is the â€Å"capacity to obtain, communicate, process, and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions† (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Smoking is a common addictive behavior and is bad for health status in many ways. According to World Health Organization (2014) tobacco kills nearly six million people per year. Therefore, it is important to promote people’s health literacy of smoking through effective intervention to improve health condition. Brief intervention is an effective method to deliver suitable information and increase the motivation of clients to change the substance use (Substance abuse and mental health service, 2014). Nurses can make good use of brief intervention to improve the health literacy among clients with resultant better health outcomes. This essay will firstly describe the potential health impacts of smoking on individual in Australia and globally. Secondly, it will use a case to analyze the smoking through stage of change model and discuss three approaches to change the behavior. Thirdly, it will choose the most sustainable strategy to provide health literacy to the client. Lastly, I will discuss how changing a singles person’s behavior can contribute to global health. Overview of smoking Cigarette contains more than 7,000 chemical substances and most of them are harmful to our body. Once inhaled into the lung, these chemical compounds will be carried to all the tissues of our body through blood (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Smoking will impair the normal growth and function of the cells and result in cancer tumor growth. Research showed that smoking can cause many kinds of cancers in our body such as larynx, lung, mouth, nose, and throat cancer (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). For the cardiovascular system, smoking will damage our blood vessels with plaque formation and produce thicker vessel walls and narrower lumen. Therefore, smoking is a major risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). Smoking also causes damage to the respiratory system, especially the airway and alveoli. The research showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including emphysema and ch ronic bronchitis are most commonly related to smoking. In addition, smoking will also affect the fertility and immune system and increase the chance to have type 2 diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Last but not least, secondhand smoke causes adverse effects such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases to the peers, family and community. In conclusion, smoking might impact the whole body and result in serious health problem. According to World Health Organization (2014), smoking is related to more than 6 million people’s death; 5 million die directly due to tobacco use and 600,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke. In Australia, around 3.1 million people (19.5%) are current smokers aged over 18 years old and among them 20.4% male and 16.3% female are daily smokers (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011). Smoking was responsible for 20% of cancer death in Australia and around 45,000 hospitalisations in New South Wales were related to smoking (Cancer Council NSW, 2013). In addition, nearly 600,000 people (3.6%) reported at risk of having heart disease and other chronic conditions due to using tobacco products (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013). Smoking is a common unhealthy behavior not only in Australia but all over the world and contributes to many diseases and death. Incident of smoking Mr. C is a 55 year old man who comes from Taiwan and works as an accountant in a computer company. He had a history of smoking around 30 years since graduated from senior high school. He usually smokes 10-12 cigarettes a day. Mr. C has the medical history of type 2 diabetes. He believes that smoking can help him release the stress and anxiety. He really enjoys the moment of smoking and states that smoking can stimulate thinking. However, Mr. C developed productive cough recently and had shortness of breath when climbing the stairs. He went to see a general practitioner and the physician informed him that the productive cough and shortness of breath are related to smoking. Therefore, the general practitioner gave Mr. C a handbook about the information of smoking and suggested him to quit smoking. After seeing the general practitioner, Mr. C read through the handbook and tried to search the internet for relevant information. He also discussed with his family and all of his family suppo rted him to quit smoking. Mr. C hesitated about stopping smoking. Because he thought that smoking was a good method for him to relieve the stress and serve as a social skill to maintain the relationship with friends and colleagues. In addition, he also considers that to quit smoking will be a long process and takes a lot of time to give up smoking and will incur a lot of physical discomfort. Mr. C is now feeling ambivalent about quitting smoking but he wants the symptoms such as productive cough and shortness of breath to go away. Therefore, he still considers smoking to be an enjoyable hobbit and cannot really give up smoking. Stage of change model Stage of change model (Transtheoretical model) is a theory of behavior change which was developed by Prochaska and DiClemente. It contains 5 stages of changes: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance (Australia government Department of health, 2004; Prochaska, DiClemente Norcross, 1992, p. 1103). Stage of change model is a good method to assess the readiness of clients to change the additive behavior such as smoking (Mallin, 2002, p. 1107). According to Prochaska, DiClemente and Norcross (1992, p.1103), contemplation is the stage that clients are aware the adverse effects due to the behavior and consider to change, however have not determined to establish a plan of action. In this incident, Mr. C has some physical discomfort such as productive cough and shortness of breath during the activity. Therefore, Mr. C went to a general practitioner for the assessment and found out that smoking was the root cause of the symptoms. Mr. C started to search the infor mation about smoking and also discussed with his family. However, Mr. C did not make a promise to quit smoking. Due to these features, Mr. C is at the stage of contemplation. Another concept of the contemplation stage is that patient is ambivalent about the advantage and disadvantage of the behavior (Prochaska, DiClemente Norcross, 1992, p. 1103). The client realizes the behavior will be harmful to the health condition but still considers the behavior to be with value (Australia government Department of health, 2004). In this case, Mr. C states that smoking is a good method for him to relieve the stress and a social tool to maintain the relationship with friends and colleagues. He did not want to give up this 30 years hobbit. However, Mr. C also wanted to improve the symptoms. Mr. C is hesitated in making the decision to quit smoking. Therefore, it is obvious that Mr. C is at the stage of contemplation. Multiple approaches to change smoking Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique which can assist clients to increase the motivation to change the addictive behavior (Miller, 2010, p. 247; Ridner, Cloud, Ostapchuk, Myers, Jorayeva Ling, 2014, p. 314). Clients can be explored and their ambivalence could be resolved about quitting smoking through motivational interviewing (Lai, Cahill, Qin Tang, 2010). The four principles of motivational interviewing are expression of empathy, develop discrepancy, roll with resistance and support self-efficacy (Miller, 2010, p. 248). During the motivational interviewing, nurses can understand the ambivalent feelings of the clients, the difficulties of changing and discuss the advantage and disadvantage of quitting smoking with clients. In addition, it might enhance the client’s desire to change. Nurses might use the reflective listening, open-ended questions, affirmation and summarization techniques to understand the clients’ position and have good communication (M iller, 2010, p. 249; New South Wales Department of Health, 2005). A research (Ridner, Cloud, Myers, Jorayeva Ling, 2014) found out that after the motivational interviewing, the patients smoked less cigarettes, had a higher score of self-efficacy and lower nicotine dependence. Soria, Legido, Escolano, Lopez Yeste and Montoya (2006) pointed out that motivational interviewing group has higher success rate compared to anti-smoking advice group. In addition, the article also showed that motivational interviewing could help clients move to the next stage of change model. The above evidence showed that motivational interviewing is an effective brief intervention to increase the motivation of clients to seek the health information of smoking and its treatment, and therefore, increase the willingness of quitting. 5As (ask, assess, advice, assist and arrange) is a brief intervention to increase the motivation of the patient with addictive behavior (DiClemente, Delahanty, Kofeldt, Dixon, Goldberg Lucksted, 2011, p. 261). The first step is to ask the client’s smoking behavior and obtain the basic information about the client. Secondly, the readiness and motivation of clients to quit smoking will be assessed. In this step, stages of change model is a good tool to assess the motivation of client. Then, nurses can deliver the advice to the clients about the pros and cons of health on smoking followed by provision of the effective tips for clients to quit smoking. Fourthly, assist the clients to increase the motivation about quitting smoking and encourage patient to quit smoking. Lastly, the nurses should arrange the follow-up program to provide further support (Dawson, Noller Skinner, 2013, p. 132; Scanlon, 2006, p. 25 26). A study conducted 5As intervention at the mental health community center to the patients with smoking behavior in the community. They found following the implementation of 5As, the rate of tobacco use decreased and more people quit smoking (Dixon et al., 2009). Therefore, 5As is an effective brief intervention to assist clients to quit smoking through enhancing their motivations and providing necessary support. Nurses are the most important health education provider, who delivers education to the clients. The research showed that good health education program can increase the smoking caseation rate. Health education can provide the impacts on health and lead to the change the attitude of using cigarette (Salaudeen, Musa, Akande Bolarinwa, 2011, p. 217). Internet is a very useful tool to enhance the effectiveness of health education and promotion. According to Dijk, Nooijer, Heinrich and Vries (2007, p. 122), they found out that the knowledge of tobacco cessation will be delivered better through the internet to the clients. The internet is the preferred education method of adolescents and teenagers. The interviewer indicated that the web site contains the colorful pictures and interesting animation which will increase the motivation to learn and understand information of quitting smoking and also stimulate the client to take action. Therefore, the health education delivery through the inter net is a good intervention to spread the health information and increase the health literacy of the clients. The sustainable strategy to the incident In this incident, motivational interviewing is the most sustainable brief intervention for Mr. C to improve health literacy and result in quitting smoking. Mr. C had noticed that he has some symptoms such as shortness of breath and productive cough which impact his health condition. However, he is still considering the benefits that he gets from smoking including relieve the stress and anxiety and the social tool to maintain the relationship with peers and collogues. He is ambivalence about take action to change. Therefore, nurses can use motivational interviewing to assist client to evaluate the pons and cons of quitting smoking. Encourage patient to express his idea and identify the barrier of quitting smoking. In addition, nurses can assist the client to resolve the ambivalence and difficulties which lead to higher motivation to quit smoking. In this stage, there is no apparent health problem on Mr. C, therefore, he did not seriously consider that quitting smoking is an urgent matter for him. During the motivational interviewing, the nurses can provide adverse effects on health to the patient and assist patient to image the healthier future without smoking. Thus, he may seek the related information actively. Motivational interviewing may enhance the client’s motivation to obtain the health information and make the correct decision. Therefore, motivational interviewing is an effective brief intervention which can increase the health literacy and more willing to quit smoking. Global Health Dijk, Nooijer, Heinrich and Vries (2007, p. 115) indicated that the clients have smoking behavior will easily influence others’ attitude of smoking. The smoking cessation rate is higher in the family whose member has already quit smoking. Accordingly, the concept of stop smoking can be delivered from individuals to their peers, family even the whole community. When the concept of quit smoking can be deeply installed in everyone’s thought, as a result the occurrence of smoking-related disease will be decrease. The World Health Assembly (2013) pointed out that if the tobacco cessation rate decrease 30%, it will decrease 200 million death related to smoking in 2050. In addition, secondhand smoke can also be decreased. As the result, the overall health of population in the world can be improved. Therefore a single persons behavior change can be a big contribution of the improvement of the global health. Conclusion Smoking is a common unhealthy behavior which will cause adverse effects not only to the individual but also the whole society. Therefore, it is important for nurses to use different approaches to encourage clients to quit smoking. Motivational intervention is a counseling technique which can increase the motivation of the client to take action to give up smoking. 5As is an evidence-based intervention that can help clients to quit smoking through increase willingness and provide essential support. In addition, using internet can increase the effeteness of health education delivery. The incident in this essay is at the contemplation of the stage of change models. Motivational intervention is a sustainable brief intervention for this case which can improve the health literacy and encourage him to stop smoking. The concepts of quitting smoking can delivery from individual to family, peers and community. Consequently, these approaches can improve the health literacy and result in increasi ng the tobacco cessation rate and improve the health status of global.

Folklore, Womens Issues, and Morals in Toni Morrisons Sula Essay

The Themes of Folklore, Women's Issues, and Morals in Sula    Toni Morrison has asserted that she likes to write the kind of books that she would like to read (Harris 52). By this we can assume she favors black folklore, women's issues, and discussions of accepted moral standards. These are some major themes in Sula. Folktales are a type of oral prose that is passed from one person to another. Listeners may chose to add or subtract from the main story lines, embellishing with experiences and wisdom from their own lives. It then takes on the collective morals, or conscienceness, of that culture. From those individuals who we normally would not consider cultured, great gems of knowledge and wisdom are passed down through folktales. This is done without the traditional use of written language or use of proper organizational style. Yet these oral traditions are not without power; they reach into the very heart of what it is to be human. Typically, folktales are set in believable surroundings with extraordinary people. We see the same in Sula. The setting is in a common Negro village called the "Bottom" where it is said that it is "the bottom of heaven" (Morrison 6). The wider historical settings are kept intact in the novel as the events of World War I swirl around and capture some of the residents of Bottom. It is people, however, that makes up the surreal in Sula. Eva is a tireless grandmother who controls her domain of a large boarding house; Shadrach is a war-shocked veteran who invents an amnesty day for people to kill each other; Hanna and her daughter Sula are shameless adulteresses. In this tale, Toni Morrison takes liberty to change the style of folklore (Harris 53). Instead of happy endings, violent ... ...net.10 September 2001. <<http://www.viconet.com/~ejb/bio.htm>> Harris, Trudier Fiction and Folklore: The Novels of Toni Morrison. Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press, 1991. Hedge, Holly.   "Toni Morrison."   Empire Zine <http://www.empirezine.com/spotlight/toni-morrison/toni-morrison.htm>   (accessed on September 6, 2001) Morrison, Toni Sula. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 1973. "Morrison, Toni." Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2000.   <http://encarta.msn.com> 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. (accessed on September 26, 2001) O'Neill, Cynthia.   Goddesses, Heroes and Shamans.   New York: Larousse Kingfisher Chambers Inc., 1994. "Toni Morrison."   Contemporary Authors, Gale Research, 1993; abstracted at <http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~mmaynard/morrison/biograph.htm>   (accessed on September 26, 2001)   

King’s Ghost In “Hamlet” Essay

During Shakespeare’s lifetime people were, in general, more religiously devout and more likely to believe in spirits and ghosts. Spirits could be messengers from heaven or evil in nature. This is one reason Hamlet so readily believed his friends when they told him they had seen his father’s ghost; he was also more likely to believe their story because his friend Horatio told it, and he is an intellectual. However, when Hamlet is all too willing to follow his father’s ghost, his friends, Marcellus and Horatio, are very reluctant to follow. Marcellus is reluctant to follow because he is afraid of the ghost. Most people are afraid of the unknown; this would include soldiers, who are used to fighting until the enemy is killed. Marcellus is dealing with a ghost, which he cannot defeat it with his partisan (though he hopelessly offers it), and this scares him. Marcellus is a soldier who is guarding Elsinore, and the ghost is wearing the armor that he wore to defend his land against Fortinbras, the old king of Norway. Another soldier, Bernardo, says, â€Å"This portentous figure comes armed through our watch like the king that was and is the question of these wars.† (Act I, p. 8) When Horatio speaks to the ghost he says, â€Å"If thou art privy to thy country’s fate, Which, happily, foreknowing may avoid, O, speak!† (Act I, p. 9) Marcellus and Bernardo believe it is an ominous sign and that perhaps the ghost has come with a warning about an imminent invasion; one that they would have to defend the castle against. Hamlet also thinks something must be wrong if his father’s ghost is in armor. Marcellus is also afraid of the ghost because it leaves just as the cock crows to signal sunrise. He knows that spirits, including evil ones, cannot bewitch during the day time and he is unsure yet weather the ghost’s intentions are good or evil, so he does not want anyone to follow it. Marcellus goes so far as to restrain Hamlet when he tries to follow his father’s ghost. Horatio is also reluctant to follow the ghost because he is unsure of its intentions. He is especially weary because he tried twice to speak with the ghost and it would not answer him, it apparently only wants to speak with Hamlet alone. He warns Hamlet that the ghost might convince him to act  without reason and drive him mad. He tells Hamlet not to follow the ghost because it could lead him off a cliff into the ocean. Despite his friend’s warnings, Hamlet decides to follow his father’s ghost and receive its message. Though Marcellus and Horatio were reluctant, they eventually follow, catching up to Hamlet after he has spoken with the ghost.

An Introduction to Inti and the Inca Sun God

An Introduction to Inti and the Inca Sun God The Inca culture of Western South America had a complex religion and one of their most important deities was Inti, the Sun. There were many temples to Inti and Sun worship affected many aspects of life for the Inca, including architecture, festivals and the semi-divine status of the royal family. The Inca Empire The Inca Empire stretched from present-day Colombia to Chile and included most of Peru and Ecuador. The Inca were an advanced, wealthy culture with sophisticated record-keeping, astronomy and art. Originally from the Lake Titicaca area, the Inca were once one tribe of many in the high Andes, but they began a systematic program of conquest and assimilation and by the time of their first contact with Europeans their Empire was vast and complex. Spanish conquistadors under Francisco Pizarro first encountered the Inca in 1533 and swiftly conquered the Empire. Inca Religion Inca religion was complicated and incorporated many aspects of the sky and nature. The Inca had a pantheon of sorts: major Gods who had individual personalities and duties. The Inca also venerated countless huacas: these were minor spirits that inhabited places, things and sometimes people. A huaca could be anything that stood out from its surroundings: a large tree, a waterfall, or even a person with a curious birthmark. The Inca also venerated their dead and considered the royal family to be semi-divine, descended from the Sun. Inti, the Sun God Of the major gods, Inti, the Sun God, was second only to Viracocha, the creator god, in importance. Inti was higher-ranking than other gods such as the Thunder God and Pachamama, the Earth Mother. The Inca visualized Inti as a man: his wife was the Moon. Inti was the Sun and controlled all that implies: the Sun brings warmth, light and sunshine necessary for agriculture. The Sun (in conjunction with the Earth) had the power over all food: it was by his will that crops grew and animals thrived. The Sun God and the Royal Family The Inca royal family believed they were directly descended from Apu Inti (Lord Sun) through the first great Inca ruler, Manco Capac. The Inca royal family was therefore considered semi-divine by the people. The Inca himself - the word Inca actually means King or Emperor although it now refers to the entire culture - was considered very special and subject to certain rules and privileges. Atahualpa, the last true Emperor of the Inca, was the only one observed by the Spaniards. As the descendant of the Sun, his every whim was fulfilled. Anything he touched was stored away, later to be burned: these included everything from half-eaten ears of corn to sumptuous cloaks and clothing. Because the Inca royal family identified themselves with the Sun, it is no accident that the greatest temples in the Empire were dedicated to Inti. The Temple of Cuzco The greatest temple in the Inca Empire was the temple of the Sun in Cuzco. The Inca people were rich in gold, and this temple was unrivalled in its magnificence. It was known as Coricancha (Golden Temple) or Inti Cancha or Inti Wasi (Temple of the Sun or House of the Sun). The temple complex was massive, and included quarters for the priests and servants. There was a special building for the mamaconas, women who served the Sun and even slept in the same room as one of the Sun idols: they were said to be his wives. The Incas were master stonemasons and the temple represented the pinnacle of Inca stonework: parts of the temple are still visible today (the Spanish built a Dominican church and convent on the site). The temple was full of golden objects: some walls were covered in gold. Much of this gold was sent to Cajamarca as part of Atahualpas Ransom. Sun Worship Much Inca architecture was designed and built to assist in the worship of the Sun, Moon and stars. The Inca often built pillars which marked the position of the Sun at the solstices, which were celebrated by grand festivals. The Inca lords would preside at such festivals. In the great temple of the Sun, a high-ranking Inca woman – generally the sister of the reigning Inca, if one were available – was in charge of the cloistered women who served as the Sun’s â€Å"wives.† The priests observed holy days such as solstices and prepared the appropriate sacrifices and offerings. Eclipses The Inca could not predict solar eclipses, and when one occurred, it tended to trouble them greatly. The diviners would attempt to figure out why Inti was displeased, and sacrifices would be offered. The Inca rarely practiced human sacrifice, but an eclipse sometimes was considered cause to do so. The reigning Inca would often fast for days after an eclipse and withdraw from public duties. Inti Raymi One of the most important religious events of the Inca was Inti Ramyi, the annual festival of the sun. It took place in the seventh month of the Inca Calendar on June 20 or 21, the date of the Summer Solstice. Inti Raymi was celebrated all over the Empire, but the main celebration took place in Cuzco, where the reigning Inca would preside over the ceremonies and festivities. It opened with the sacrifice of 100 llamas selected for brown fur. The festival lasted for several days. Statues of the Sun God and other gods were brought out, dressed up and paraded around and sacrifices were made to them. There was much drinking, singing and dancing. Special statues were made of wood, representing certain gods: these were burned at the end of the festival. After the festival, the ashes of the statues and sacrifices were brought to a special place on a hillside: only those disposing of these ashes were ever allowed to go there. Inca Sun Worship The Inca Sun god was relatively benign: he was not destructive or violent like some Aztec Sun Gods like Tonatiuh or Tezcatlipoca. He only showed his wrath when there was an eclipse, at which point the Inca priests would sacrifice people and animals to appease him. The Spanish priests considered Sun Worship to be pagan at best (and thinly-disguised Devil worship at worst) and went to great lengths to stamp it out. Temples were destroyed, idols burned, festivals forbade. It is a grim testament to their zeal that very few Andeans practice any sort of traditional religion today. Most of the great Inca goldwork at the Cuzco Temple of the Sun and elsewhere found its way into the melting fires of the Spanish conquistadors - countless artistic and cultural treasures were melted down and shipped to Spain. Father Bernabà © Cobo tells the story of one Spanish soldier named Manso Serra who was awarded a massive Inca sun idol as his share of Atahualpas Ransom. Serra lost the idol gambling and its eventual fate is unknown. Inti is enjoying a bit of a comeback lately. After centuries of being forgotten, Inti Raymi is once more being celebrated in Cuzco and other parts of the former Inca Empire. The festival is popular among native Andeans, who see it as a way to reclaim their lost heritage, and tourists, who enjoy the colorful dancers. Sources De Betanzos, Juan. (translated and edited by Roland Hamilton and Dana Buchanan) Narrative of the Incas. Austin: the University of Texas Press, 2006 (1996). Cobo, Father Bernabe. Inca Religion and Customs. Roland Hamilton (Translator), Paperback, New Ed edition, University of Texas Press, May 1, 1990. Sarmiento de Gamboa, Pedro. (translated by Sir Clement Markham). History of the Incas. 1907. Mineola: Dover Publications, 1999.

Right of Revolution essays

Right of Revolution essays As John Locke believed, I too believe the right of revolution has but one meaning and that is; that the people in a society have the right to choose who will represent them in government. They have the right to elect another government or leader when the one originally in control is not doing what is in the peoples best interest. We call this right democracy. A recent example which best illustrates this is the election in Serbia where President Slobodan Milosevic has allegedly lost the election but is refusing to turn over power to the newly elected official, violating every principle of the right of revolution or democratic selection process. In order to fully understand what is happening we must examine historically the event leading up to the election. Reporters and politicians have touted the Serbia-Kosovo problem as being the result of ancient ethnic hatred but that is not the case. The people of this region lived together peacefully for centuries and any conflicts that have arisen amongst them were based not on ethnic origin but on other things like class and ruling party, just to name a few. In the late 1980s, Slobodan Milosevic came into power in Serbia. His first actions were directed against Kosovo Albanian dominance in the province. He removed virtually all of the Albanians rights, their leadership role in government, their party, and their parliament. He further removed their control of their Albanian-language library and the administration of their school system. This was the classic case of human rights violations. Milosevic took away their right to govern themselves and as a result, he gained the att ention of the United States Congress under the interest of human rights. Annual human rights reports submitted to the White House by the Department of State read like a prison record when it came to Serbian abuses of the people of Kosovo. ...

Using web based research, find an environmental-based ethical dilemma Essay

Using web based research, find an environmental-based ethical dilemma from the past five years online - Essay Example At the Severn tidal estuary, sea water rises up the river during high tide. The proposed barrage would allow the high tide to flow in through the sluice gates of the barrage, when the tide is at its highest, gates would be closed, when the tide starts to fall the water would be released driving two hundred and fourteen 40 MW turbines. The project could generate as much as 17 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This project could generate up to 5% of the UK’s energy needs (Black & Veatch, 2007). A large part of the Severn estuary has been marked as a protected wetland. The estuary is the habitat of tens of thousands of birds and other aquatic wildlife. If the proposed barrage is built, 35,000 hectares of protected wetland would be inundated by water potentially endangering the wildlife that depends on it for survival (Turnpenny, 2001). Great numbers of migratory fish including critically threatened or declining species such as Atlantic salmon, sea trout, shads and eels also pass through the Severn estuary. Fish passing through the hydroelectric turbines are likely to suffer injury or death (Turnpenny, 2001). According to Kant’s categorical imperative, the ends do not justify the means, a person’s acts are morally correct if and only if it were correct for every other person to act in the same way, for the same reasons. Another aspect of the categorical imperative involves the treatment of human beings. Kantian morality is concerned mostly with the rights of humans, Kant considered non-human creatures to be mere ‘things’ which could be used and disposed of by humans at their will. Kant advocated kindness to animals, but only because he believed that those who are cruel to animals inevitably become cruel in their dealings with other humans as well (Gruen, 2010). According to Kant, humans are intrinsically valuable and they must not be used as a merely a means to an end but

Eleanor Roosevelt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Eleanor Roosevelt - Essay Example During 40 years of public service Eleanor Roosevelt was able to change America's viewpoint on gender, race, and our integral part of a global society. To begin to understand Eleanor Roosevelt's contribution to America demands that we evaluate her commitment to Franklin Roosevelt and his desire for a more equal America. After serving a short stint with the American Red Cross and volunteer work in Navy hospitals during World War I, FDR was stricken with polio in 1921 ("Eleanor Roosevelt: First lady of the World" (1)). This propelled Eleanor into the life of politics, as she became a staunch supporter of FDR. It has often been said that she was the eyes and ears of FDR as she traveled the country and the world to report to FDR and offer her advice. These initial actions by Ms. Roosevelt laid the groundwork for one of the most influential figures in American history. One of the first, and certainly the most public, activities that Eleanor Roosevelt undertook was advocating for the poor in the face of Hoover's vision of America. She worked to get FDR elected and then changed her focus to the poor and minorities of America. She traveled the country insuring that the programs of the New Deal were being implemented fairly in regards to women and minorities. According to a recent article in Human Quest, a liberal Episcopalian publication, Ms. Roosevelt, "...gathered evidence and pressured the President to sign a series of Executive Orders to stop the discrimination in the New Deal projects. That was effective, and the share of blacks in New Deal work projects expanded" ("Eleanor Roosevelt, 'First Lady of the World'" (2)). This commitment to civil rights would be carried forward and later influence the desegregation of the armed forces under President Truman. Eleanor Roosevelt's political activism expanded to include women's rights and brought about the public's awareness that gender should be treated as a minority component. As a US Delegate to the United Nations she was instrumental in the writing and advocacy for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The Declaration begins with article 1 stating, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood" ("Universal Declaration of Human Rights"). Eleanor campaigned to have the wording of this important passage changed from "all men" to its current form ("Eleanor Roosevelt: The World's First Lady."(3)). This was one of the most influential documents regarding women's rights to date and was vital to securing the future of women's rights (Bunch 488). Eleanor was making her influence felt 60 years ago in the arena of women's rights on the international stage. Her pr ogressive thinking continues to reverberate through the vision where women are afforded equality in the workplace and within the law. Ms. Roosevelt's activities did not end with the most visible minority groups of race and gender but extended themselves to the area of the children most affected by the discrimination. In this area, Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in forming the African-American voting bloc as a key component of Democratic politics. Her support of the 'Black Cabinet' assured black politicians and administrators access to the president to push for favorable legislation that affected equal employment for women and blacks

How did the cotton economy shape the Souths environment and labor Assignment

How did the cotton economy shape the Souths environment and labor system - Assignment Example How did the Lecompton Constitution and the Lincoln-Douglas debates affect the debate over slavery in the territories? Why did Lincoln’s election in 1860 cause the South to secede? Scholarly sources which were researched online were used in providing for the answers. a. The antebellum South was mainly agricultural with cotton as their main product and with the unprecedented growth of the cotton economy during that period, slave labor became the major capital investment. South remained agricultural and produced on site goods and services. It remained a largely closed society and only a few towns or villages emerged. (â€Å"The Cotton Economy in the South.† American Eras. 1997). Slaves were only regarded as properties by their owners and were often maltreated and oppressed. Though a few had the courage to fight back, their punishments were much more severe; they were whipped, beaten, drowned or hanged. Others resisted by slowing down in their work or feigning illness or breaking their tools. Others sabotaged their production like setting fire on the crops, and some resorted to theft of food, tobacco, liquor, and money from their slave masters. In the 1850s, slaves in plantations dwelt in quarters made up of crudely-made cabins. They lived together within the same homestead and this made the black communities flourish. Within these slave communities, they were able to retain their African culture with their folk tales, religion and spirituality, music and dance, and language, and they had their own families. These made their lives as slaves bearable. b. The Americans believed they had a â€Å"manifest destiny† to expand across the Pacific Ocean. After the election of James K. Polk in 1844, he at once initiated the annexation of Texas and he also eyed California and New Mexico. The Indians made it more difficult for the Americans in their war against Mexico. As U.S. was having war with Mexico, they were also having a cultural war

Creative Technology entry in the US market. Political factors that can affect its operations Essay Example for Free

Creative Technology entry in the US market. Political factors that can affect its operations Essay Introduction There are various political factors that can affect the operation of the Creative Technology in the US market.   First the company will be required to comply with the various government regulations that affect the pricing and the entire production process. The company also needs to comply with the various tax systems that are present in the American economy ( Donici, Maha, Ignat Maha,2012).   In addition the company is also required to comply with the various trading agreement of the companies that operate in the industry. The US government is also known to have to have minimum intervention on the business which will in turn help to ensure that the business is able to achieve its objective (Shaw, 2007).   The political stability currently enjoyed by the US government will also play a critical role in helping to ensure the company achieves its strategic growth objective in the US market. Domestic approach that might change Building a strong brand The company need first ensure that it concentrate on building a strong brand in the US market. Though building a strong brand the company can therefore be able to achieve to capture the interest of the consumer and therefore ensure the company achieves its strategic growth objectives. According to Ryan Jones (2012) building a strong brand can help to create the necessary emotional connections with the target consumers. Most importantly building a strong brand will help the company to compete with some of the companies that are leading in the sale of the earphone in the US market. Adopting online sales and marketing Online sales and marketing is current becoming one of the most important factors that helps to ensure that various business survive in US domestic market ( Donici et al.,2012). There is therefore need for the company to adopt the online sales and marking strategies in order to ensure it reaches its target consumers. In this case the company needs to set up a website that has an accurate reflection of the company goals and objectives. Reference Ryan, D., Jones, C. (2012). Understanding digital marketing: Marketing strategies for engaging the digital generation. Philadelphia, PA: Kogan Page. DONICI, A., MAHA, A., IGNAT, I., MAHA, L. (2012). E-Commerce across United States of America: Amazon.com. Economy Transdisciplinarity Cognition, 15(1), 252-258. Shaw, S. (2007). Airline marketing and management. Aldershot: Ashgate.

Evaluating Verbal Nonverbal And Barriers To Communication Nursing Essay

Evaluating Verbal Nonverbal And Barriers To Communication Nursing Essay INTRODUCTION Communication is a process and has many aspects to it. Communication is a dynamic process by which information is shared between individuals (Sheldon 2005). This process requires three components (Linear model Appendix figure 1.1), the sender, the receiver and the message (Alder 2003). Communication would not be possible if any of these components are absent. While Peate (2006) has suggested that communication is done every day through a linear process, Spouse (2008) argues that it is not so simple and does not follow such a linear process. He explains that due to messages being sent at the same time through verbal and non- verbal avenues, it is expected the receiver is able to understand the way this is communicated. Effective communication needs knowledge of good verbal and non-verbal communication techniques and the possible barriers that may affect good communication. The Nursing and Midwifery council (2008) states that a nurse has effective communication skills before they can register as its seen as an essential part of a nurses delivery of care. (WAG 2003) Reflecting on communication in practice will also enforce the theory behind communication and allow a nurse to look at bad and good communication in different situations. This will then enforce the use of good communication techniques in a variety of situations allowing for a more interpersonal and therapeutic nurse patient relationship. This assignment discusses health care communication and why it is important in nursing by: Exploring verbal and non-verbal communication and possible barriers By exploring the fundamentals of care set out by the Welsh assembly and the nurse and midwifery councils code of conduct a better understanding of the importance of communication is gained. Reflecting in practice using a scenario from a community posting. VERBAL COMMUNICATION Verbal communication comes in the form of spoken language; it can be formal or informal in its delivery. Verbal Language is one of the main ways in which we communicate and is a good way to gather information through a question (an integral part of communication) and answer process (Berry 2007; Hawkins and Power 1999). Therefore verbal communication in nursing should be seen as a primary process and a powerful tool in the assessment of a patient. There are two main types of questioning, open-ended questions or closed questions (Stevenson 2004). Open-ended questions tend to warrant more than a one word response and generally start with what, who, where, when, why and how. It invites the patient to talk more around their condition and how they may be feeling and provoke a more detailed assessment to be obtained (Stevenson 2004). The use open-ended questions make the patient feel they have the attention of the nurse and they are being listened too (Grover 2005). It allows for a psychological focus to be given, this feeling of interest in all aspects of the patients care allows for a therapeutic relationship to develop (Dougherty 2008). Closed questions looks for very specific information about the patient (Dougherty 2008). They are very good at ascertaining factual information in a short space of time (Baillie 2005). There are two types of closed questions: the focused and the multiple choice questions. Focused questions tend to acquire information about a particular clinical situation (e.g. asking a patient who is been prescribed Ibuprofen, are you asthmatic?) whereas multiple choice questions tend to be more based on the nurses understanding of the condition being assessed. It can be used as a tool to help the patient describe for example the pain they feel e.g. is the pain dull, sharp, throbbing etc (Stevenson 2004). For verbal communication to be effective, good listening skills are essential. Sharing information, concerns and feelings becomes difficult, if the person being spoken to doesnt look interested (Andrews 2001). Good active listening can lead to a better understanding of the patients most recent health issues (Sheldon 2005). Poor listening could be as a result of message overload, physical noise, poor effort and psychological noise. Therefore being prepared to listen and putting the effort and time are essential in a nurses role (Grover 2005). NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION This type of communication does not involve spoken language and can sometimes be more effective than words that are spoken. About 60 65 per cent of communication between people is through non verbal behaviours and that these behaviours can give clues to feelings and emotions the patient may be experiencing (Foley 2010, p. 38). Non-verbal communication adds depth to speech; to re affirm verbal communication; to control the flow of communication; to convey emotions; to help define relationships and a way of giving feedback. The integration between verbal language and paralanguage (vocal), can affect communication received (Spouse 2008) Berry (2007, pg18) highlights the depth of verbal language due to the use of paralinguistic language. The way we ask a question, the tone, and pitch, volume and speed all have an integral part to play in non verbal communication. In his opinion, personality is shown in the way that paralanguage is used as well as adding depth of meaning in the presentation of the message been communicated. Foley (2010) identifies studies where language has no real prevalence in getting across emotional feelings, in the majority of cases the person understands the emotion even if they dont understand what is being said. Paralanguage therefore is an important tool in identifying the emotional state of a patient. Non-verbal actions (kinesis) can communicate messages, such as body language, touch, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact. By using the universal facial expressions of emotion, our face can show many emotions without verbally saying how we feel (Foley 2010) refer to Appendix table 2. For example, we raise our eye brows when surprised, or open our eyes wider when shocked. First impressions are vital for effective interaction; by remembering to smile with your eyes as well as your mouth can communicate an approachable person who is open. This can help to reassure a patient who is showing signs of anxiety (Mason 2010). BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION An understanding of barriers in communication is also very important. The Welsh Assemblys fundamentals of care (2003) showed that many of the problems associated with health and social care was due to failures in communication. These barriers may be the messenger portraying a judgmental or power attitude. Dickson (1999) suggested that social class can be a barrier to communication, feeling inferior to the nurse may distort the message being received, making communication difficult to maintain. Environmental barriers such as a busy ward and a stressed nurse could influence effective communication. This can greatly reduce the level of empathy and communication given as suggested by Endacott (2009). People with learning disabilities come up against barriers in communicating their needs, due to their inability to communicate verbally, or unable to understand complex new information. This leads to a breakdown in communication and their health care needs being met (Turnbull 2010). Timby (2005) stresses that when effectively communicating with patients the law as well as the NMC (2008) guidelines for consent and confidentiality must be adhered to. This also takes into account handing over to other professionals. He suggests that a patients rights to autonomy should be upheld and respected without any influence or intimidation, regardless of age, religion, gender or race. The use of communication in practice is essential and reflecting on past experience helps for a better understanding of communication, good and bad. REFLECTION Reflecting on my experience while on placement in a G.P with a practice nurse in south Wales Valleys, has helped me understand and gain practical knowledge in communicating effectively in nursing practice. The duration was for one week and includes appointments in several clinics to do with C.O.P.D (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). I will be reflecting upon one appointment using the Gibbss reflective cycle (1988). Description Due to confidentiality (NMC, 2008) the patient will be referred to as Mrs A.E. The Nurse called Mrs A.E to come to the appointment room. I could see she was anxious through her body language (palm trembling and sweaty, fidgety, calm and rapid speech). The nurse asked her to sit down. The nurse gained consent for me to sit in on her review (NMC, 2008). The review started with a basic questionnaire the nurse had pre generated on the computer. It was a fairly closed questionnaire around her breathing including how it was, when it was laboured. Questions were also asked around her medication and how she was taking her pumps. Reflecting on these questions, I feel the questions did not leave much opportunity for Mrs A.E to say anything else apart from the answer to that question. The nurse controlled the communication flow. The Nurse did not have much eye contact with the patient and was facing the computer rather than her patient. I wondered if the nurse had notice the anxious non-verbal communication signs. The patient seemed almost on the verge of tears, I wasnt sure if this was anxiety, distress from being unwell, or she was unhappy about something else. I felt quite sorry for her as all her body language communicated to me that she was not happy. She had her arms crossed across her body (an indication of comforting herself) and she did not smile. She also looked very tense and uncomfortable. The Nurse went on with the general assessment and did the lung test and I took the blood pressure and pulse, gaining consent first as required by the NMC. Once all the questions had been answered on the computer the Nurse turned to face Mrs A.E and I noticed she had eye contact with her and had her body slightly tilted toward the patient (non verbal communication). The Nurse gave her information on why her asthma may be a bit worse at the moment and gave her clear and appropriate information on how she can make manage her COPD at this time of year. The Nurse gave her lots of guidance on the use of her three different pumps, and got her to repeat back to her the instructions, to make sure she understood. I could feel the patient getting more at ease as the communication progressed and also on the confirmation that she understood the instruction. The Nurse knew this patient well and then set the rest of the time talking to the patient about any other concerns she had and how she was fe eling in herself, using a more open question technique. The nurse used her active listening skills and allowed the patient to talk about her problems and gave her empathy at her situation as well and some solutions to think about. She gave the patient information of a support group that helped build up confidence in people with chronic conditions and helped them deal with the emotional side of their condition. Feelings After the patient had gone, my mentor explained that the patient was a regular to the clinic, she had many known anxiety issues which werent helped by her chronic asthma. Through-out the beginning of the review I felt very awkward. I thought, because I was sitting in on the review, may have been the reason the lady had not said why she seemed so anxious and upset. I also felt the nurse was not reacting to the sign of anxiety from Mrs A.E and this made me feel uncomfortable. I felt like I wanted to ask her if she was ok, but felt that I couldnt interrupt the review. However by the end of the review I felt a lot better about how it had gone. I did feel that by building up a relationship with the patients allowed the nurse to understand the communication needs of the patient and also allowed her to use the time she had effectively. She used empathy in her approach to the lady and actively listened to her. I understand that the start of the review was about getting the facts of the condition using a lot of closed questions, whereas the later part of the review was a more open questions and non verbal communication approach, allowing the patient to speak a bout any concerns and feelings about those questions asked earlier. Evaluation Effectively using closed questions allow for a lot of information to be gathered in a short space of time, and can be specific to the patients review needs. These pre-generated questionnaires are good at acquiring the information needed by the G.P. and also for good record keeping which are essential in the continuity of care delivered to the patient (NMC 2008). It can also protect the nurse from any litigation issues. The use of open and closed questions also allowed for the review to explore the thoughts and feelings of the patient, thus allowing for empathy from the nurse and is considered a vital part of the counselling relationship (Chowdhry, 2010 pg. 22). However the use of the computer screen facing away from the patient, did not allow for good non-verbal communication skills to be used. The lack of eye contact from the nurse may have exacerbated the anxiety felt by the patient. Hayward (1975, p. 50) summarised in research that anxiety highlighted an uncertainty about illness or future problems. This link to anxiety was also linked to increased pain. Nazarko (2009) points out, it is imperative that a person has the full attention of the nurse when they are communicating. He states that being aware of ones own non-verbal behaviours, such as posture and eye contact can have an effect on how communication is received by the patient. As evident in the reflection, the patient at the beginning of the review was anxious, upset and worried. By the end of the review her body language had significantly changed. The patient looked and felt a lot better in herself and had a better understanding of how her condition was affecting her and understood how to manage it. However if this information was badly communicated, the patients anxiety could have been prolonged (Hayward, 1975). This also links back to the need to understand medical conditions so that communication is channelled to the patients needs at the time. The fundamentals of care set out by the Welsh Assembly Government (2003), states that communication is of upmost importance in the effectiveness of care given by nurses. By looking at all the fundamentals of communication and the effect on patient care we can understand and recognise that the communication in this reflection was good communication in practice. Analysis The closed questions were used at the beginning of the review, had their advantages. They allowed the nurse to focus the on the specific clinical facts needed. The start of the review used mainly closed questions to get all the clinical facts needed to be recorded, such as Personal information, Spirometry results, blood pressure, drug management of COPD (Robinson, 2010). The structured approach allows the nurse to evaluate using measurable outcomes and thus interventions adjusted accordingly (Dougherty, 2008). The closed question approach allows the consultation to be shortened if time is an issue. However the disadvantage of this as identified by Berry (2007) is that important information may be missed. The use of closed questions on a computer screen hindered the use of non-verbal communication. Not allowing for eye contact, which is an important aspect of effective communication. The use of open questions in the review allowed the patient to express how they were feeling about their condition or any other worries. The nurse used active listening skills, communicated in her non-verbal behaviour. It gave the opportunity to the patient to ask for advice on any worries they might have. The use of open questions can provoke a long and sometimes not totally relevant response (Baillie, 2005), using up valuable time. Eye contact is another important part of communication in the reflective scenario. The eye contact at the start of the review was limited. The nurse made slight eye contact when asking the closed questions, but made none when given the answer. This may have contributed to the patients anxious state. However, the eye contact given during the open questions section. At this stage, there were several eye contacts between the nurse and patient and information was given and understood. The value of eye contact in communication is invaluable and has great effect at reducing symptoms of anxiety (Dougherty 2008). Reflection conclusion The use of communication in this COPD review was very structured. The use of closed questions helped to structure the consultation and acquire lots of information from the patient. The open questions allowed for the patient to express any feeling or concerns. The nurse used verbal and non-verbal communication methods, to obtain information about the patient; assess any needs and communicate back to the patient, within the time period. However in my opinion, if the computer screen was moved closer to the patient during the closed question section, better interaction could have been established from the beginning. It would also allow the nurse to look at the patient when asking the questions leading to a more therapeutic relationship, whilst still obtaining and recording a large amount of information. Therefore, the use of effective communication skills as seen in this review along with a person centred approach can significantly increase better treatment and care given to the patient (Spouse, 2008) and thus signifies good communication in practice. Action Plan The goal of the plan is to increasing patient participation in the use of the computer as an interactive tool. By allowing the patient to see what is on the screen and being written, allows the patient to feel more involved in the assessment and takes away any feeling of inferiority from social class difference. In attempt to achieving these goals, the following steps would be taken: Set up a team to investigate the issue which could involve nursing staffs or other hospital staffs. Drawing up a feedback questionnaire, to investigate how patients feel about the closed questions on the computer, including a section on how they would feel if they were allowed to look at the screen. Collation, analysis and review of the results of the feedback Identify barriers to the implementation of the plan (e.g. willingness of nurses to this change). Inform the NMC on the issues and the findings from the feedback questionnaire. Implementation of the plan. Set up a monitoring and evaluation team to see if the plan is being implemented appropriately. CONCLUSION This assignment has looked at communication and its importance in nursing practice. Communication is thus an important process involving the interaction between one or more persons using verbal and non-verbal methods. Understanding the barriers to communication contributes significantly to how effective a nurse communicates in practice. The use of questioning in nursing has been a valuable tool in assessing a patient and obtaining information. However the way this is done can have an effect on the development of empathy, trust, genuineness and respect, between the nurse and the patient. 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