Critique of La Haine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Critique of La Haine - Essay Example The essay "Critique of La Haine" discusses The La Haine which depicts a classical French film. French filmmaker, Mathieu Kassovitz directed the film that manifests alienation racism and violence in French suburbs. The director shows how unemployment and discrimination fuel violent anger among French youths.The film shows that the ugly housing estate in Paris does not affect do not affect the youth. Mathieu Kassovitz shot the film in black and white to profess racial strife and disaffected youth in France. Indeed, the film focuses on the common challenges experienced by mixed-race groups against bad cops and bourgeois community. For example, the film depicts three angry unemployed youths experiencing albeit with anger their friend suffering from police brutality. This is the best film associated with the hip hop generation of the French suburbs. Apparently, French youths use French rap to resist discrimination, alienation, and oppression based on race and class. Although the film pene trated the global audience it also portrayed the adverse effects of adopting the popular American culture in France as seen in the case of police brutality. The film focuses on issues of class and not of the race where it seemingly ignores racism. For example, the film the protagonists argue that the minority and the poor cannot get weapons to protect themselves yet the wealthy and powerful can easily access guns for protection. The La Haine shows the differences between the French hip hop and American hip hop culture.

The Constitution Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Constitution - Thesis Example He further contends that many were disenfranchised and discriminated by the common law and thus were not represented in the Convention during its drafting which included countless adult males. In addition, most of the states at that time imposed property qualifications on the voters and consequently barred non-taxpayers. As most of the members of the conventions were lawyers and representatives of personalty, these individuals were 1'directly and personally interested in the outcome of their labors' and would economically benefit from the passage of the Constitution (Beard 59). Furthermore, Beard asserts that since these men were mostly merchants, shippers, bankers, speculators, and private and public securities holders, the Constitution was not crafted by 'the whole people.' Beard's assertions remained undisputed until 1956 when Robert Brown's critique titled Charles Beard and the Constitution: A Critical Analysis of An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution dispels and attacks Beard's thesis and conclusions for their lack of merit. Brown, attacking Beard's objectivity, argues that Beard failed to collect compelling data and evidence to support his contentions. In his critique, Brown scrutinizes the support for the Constitution among diverse economic and social divisions, the democratic character of the country, and the franchise within the states in eighteenth-century America. He holds that Beard was misguided and further added that, eighteenth-century America was democratic, the franchise was common, and there was extensive backing for the Constitution, alleging that his evidence contradicts Beard's arguments about the lack of democracy and the insubstantial support for the Constitution. According to Brown, since the Founding Fathers upheld the F ederal voting system done by indirect representation, the ratification of the Constitution was a democratic process and everyone's interests were aptly represented. Brown further argues that the constitution was not merely an economic document in which property was protected but it also stressed safeguards to life and liberty. This protection of property, Brown adds, is also essential to the protection of the individual and liberty. A close scrutiny of the US Constitution is necessary in order to resolve this conflict as the issue has its precedence in the Constitution itself. The textbook, 'We The People,' states that the charter 2'attempts to create a government that would be strong to protect commerce and property rights yet weak enough to threaten individual liberty.' The statement strengthens Brown's contentions that the provisions governing the protection of property are significant parts of the constitution. The Constitution also emphasizes that that the framers, 3'feared the call of equality' which could result to equal allotment of property, and consequently violate the freedom of property owners. Although Beard is right with his assertions that the economic interests of the framers and those who represented the public were given utmost importance, the focus on economic interests and rights to property as well as protection of those rights fortified individual freedom. It is also important to note that these economic interpretations of the

Interoperability Essay Example for Free

Interoperability Essay Interoperability has been described as the extent in which systems and devices can exchange data and translate that shared information. It is the ability of one system to perform work in addition with other systems without asking for too much hard work from the other users. This system enhances the importance for information technology to make the networks and integrations work. In order for the process to function properly the two systems that are attempting to share information must be able to exchange data and introduce that same information to other users in a way that he or she can understand it. There are many organizations in the business world and many have different operating systems. The importance of interoperability in this aspect is to allow each organization to share important information amongst one another. An example would be if an organization such as Child Protective Services (CPS) wanted to share client information with another Protective Services agency regarding a client both organizations should be able to exchange and translate information amongst coordinating organizations. Child Protective Services Child Protective Services (CPS) is known as major department with the Department of Human Services. CPS supports and maintains the social and economic welfare of children by offering services to children to help protect them from abuse and/or child neglect. The Department of Humans Services in California offers CPS to families. CPS serves as mandated reports as well as an organization to protect children from neglect or abuse within the home, from his or her family, foster home or anyone responsible for the care of the child. The services of CPS are to provide protection to the children, provide resources to enable to child to remain residing in the home under safe and harmless circumstances. Also to remove abused or neglected children from the home and to possibly terminate any parental or guardian rights to ensure that the child will be eliminated from any potential danger or harm. The basic constituent of the process include: providing any and all services to minimize potential harm to children and provide resources to families to help them protect and provide appropriate care to his or her child. Next, is to provide the best services possible to meet each child and families unique needs. Last, taking each allegation  made seriously and assessing the allegations to the best of one’s ability to ensure that if there is any form of abuse or neglect the necessary steps occur in order to protect the child. The services of CPS are to intervene if necessary and protect children until his or her parent is capable to doing so. The most essential aspect of CPS is to recognize the protection of children and to ensure that reasonable efforts are made to maintain children safely in their own home, to reunite the family as soon as the courts see fit or to find permanency for the child if the situation permits for the parental rights to be voided. Other services inc lude mental health, counseling, parenting skills training, medical care/services and adoption services. Methods of Interoperability There are several different methods to implement interoperability. Many organizations have created their own interoperability methods. One of the methods of interoperability is technical interoperability, which is the ability for different technologies to communicate and exchange data-based upon well-defined interface standards. The second is semantic interoperability, which is the ability to each endpoint to communicate data and have the receiving party understand the message in the sense intended by the sending party. The third is policy interoperability, which is the common business policies and processes related to the transmission, receipt and acceptance of data between systems, which a legal framework supports. Advantages and Disadvantages Conclusion Interoperability has been described as the extent in which systems and devices can exchange data and translate that shared information. Interoperability has many advantages and disadvantages. The goal of CPS is to find avenues to execute full backups bi-weekly and this process will be complemented daily. This organization will also implement an extended back up program monthly.

CASE STUDY DAILY CARE OF A TERM INFANT

CASE STUDY DAILY CARE OF A TERM INFANT The purpose of this case study is to discuss an episode of Normal Midwifery, which in this instance, will relate to the Daily Care of a Term Infant. The case study will highlight the episode of care in detail, evaluate the management of the babys Physical care and the womans Educational, Psychosocial needs with relevant evidence based support. The anonymity of mother and baby will be maintained in accordance with NMC (2008) and ESC 1 (NMC, 2007) and will be referred to as the woman and the baby through out the Case Study. Consent was also requested from the woman for herself and baby to be included in the Case Study in line with ESC 1 (NMC, 2007). BACKGROUND The woman was a 28 year old who was parity 1+0, had a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a baby girl with only Entonox as pain relief and was now 2nd day postnatal. The baby girl weighed 3288 grams with no complications after delivery and had APGAR scores of 8 at 1 minutes and 9 at 5 minutes. The woman had 40 minutes uninterrupted skin-to-skin with the baby after birth and decided to artificially feed rather than breast feed, although benefits of breast feeding were explained to the woman. The Student Midwife first met the woman during her Labour the previous day and was present at the birth. As the Student Midwife was working a day shift with her Mentor, it was requested that the Student Midwife carry out the Daily Examination of the baby in line with KCND (NHSQIS, 2009), while the Mentor observed. The initial examination and assessment of the baby was done at birth by the Mentor as suggested by Demott, Bick, Norman (2006) and included assessing the newborns physiological adaptation to extra-uterine life, colour, tone, breathing and heart rate according to Resuscitation Council (2006). The purpose of the Daily Examination there after is to monitor the progress of the baby and for early detection of deviation from the normal established at Initial Examination. These findings were documented in SWMR Baby Post Natal notes in line with NMC (2008) and KCND (NHSQIS, 2009). The Student Midwife before entering the womans room to commence examination familiarised herself with the womans Medical case / SWMR notes and babys SWMR notes, to review the medical history including: family history, maternal, antenatal and perinatal history, fetal and neonatal history so as to be prepared to assist with any concerns the woman may have regarding Physical, Educational or Social needs as recommended by KCND (NHSQIS, 2009). PHYSICAL The Student Midwife greeted the woman on entering the room and enquired how the woman was feeling. It was established that the woman was pain free and feeling fairly rested after labour the previous day. The Student Midwife then asked how the woman had found the baby overnight, regarding specifically feeding, sleeping pattern, passing urine meconium. The woman confirmed that the baby had been feeding approximately every 3 4 hours taking 30 mls each time, between feeds the baby was reported to have been settled and sleeping. It was also reported that the baby had been having wet nappies and one episode of a large amount of meconium being passed. It was important to establish that meconium had been passed within the first 24 hours as failure to do so may have indicated a gastrointestinal problem including Hirshsprungs disease. The woman was reassured that the passing of urine and meconium was important as this ensures that the renal and gastrointestinal systems are functioning normal ly. The information given was recorded in the babys SWMR notes following NMC (2008). It was then explained to the woman that the Student Midwife was going to examine the baby from head to toe, this would involve the baby being completely undressed at some point during the examination and that it would be carried out in front of her. Any findings would be discussed with her at the time and any concerns that she may have would be answered. Consent was then sought from the woman in line with NMC (2008) for the examination to be carried out, as the baby could not give consent, which was duly given. As it is important that the baby does not become cold due to the inefficiency of regulating temperature due to immaturity of the hypothalamus as suggested by Farrell and Sittlington in Fraser and Cooper (2009), the Student Midwife ensured that all windows and doors were closed to exclude any draught before commencing the Daily Examination of the baby. Also the Student Midwife washed her hands and applied latex free gloves to protect herself from any of the babys bodily fluids and to protect the baby who is at risk of infection as suggested by Johnson and Taylor (2006). Whilst undressing the baby the Student Midwife was mindful to show respect to the baby by gentle handling and lack of excessive noise as suggested by Carbjal and Coudered (2003). Safety of the baby was also considered and the Student Midwife ensured that the cot was stable and in view of the mother prior to commencing the examination. The babys identity was confirmed by checking details on both identity bands on the baby with the mother and the mothers identity was also confirmed by checking her identity band in line with the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) Standards and Competencies (NHS, 2008). A methodical examination was commenced by the Student Midwife which follows. All findings were discussed with the woman and documented in the babys SWMR notes as recommended by NMC (2007) who state that midwives must adhere to the guidelines for records and record keeping as a legal requirement. DAILY EXAMINATION Temperature Before removing the babys clothes, the Student Midwife took the babys temperature from the axilla site using an electronic thermometer whilst the baby lay in the cot. The reading was 36.8ËÅ ¡C which was within the normal range for an axilla reading (36.5 37.3ËÅ ¡C) as described by Bain in Fraser and Cooper (2009). Reassurance was given to the mother when she asked if the baby was warm enough that the reading was normal. The Student Midwife also offered the information of how the woman could check to see if the baby was too warm or cold by feeling under the babys clothes just below the neck and at the top of the babys back. Also a good indication was if the woman had two layers on, then generally the baby would require the same amount of layers. It was also advised that the baby would not require to wear a hat indoors if the room is at a comfortable temperature of between 18 21ËÅ ¡C but would require it outdoors due to cool air. General Appearance The Student Midwife removed the babys clothes, leaving only the nappy on which would be removed later in the examination, to observe the general appearance of the baby. The babys skin was noted to be pink all over showing no signs of central cyanosis, although hands and feet still showed slight signs of peripheral cyanosis which is normal during the first 24 48 hours according to Farrell and Sittlington in Fraser and Cooper (2009). This was explained to the mother so no undue worry was caused due to the blue tinge of the hands and feet. Also there was no sign of jaundice which is common after 48 hours from birth as all newborns have a transient rise in serum bilirubin which usually settles after 10 12 days post natal. The woman was advised to watch for any colour change of the babys skin from pink to yellow tinge or for the white of the eye (sclera) to be tinged with yellow. It was explained that this is a normal occurrence as suggested by Johnston, Flood, Spinks (2003) and as long as the baby had a good urine output, was awake regularly and fed well then there would be no cause for concern. However if the baby develops jaundice which last longer than expected, has excessive sleeping patterns, continually passes pale stools and dark urine, then the woman should get immediate attention for the baby as this is abnormal for a formula fed baby. The babys breathing was observed whilst lying in the cot and was noted to be within the normal range of 40 60 breaths/minute with the chest and abdomen rising and falling, showing no signs of distress. Being awake, alert and active the baby was seen to be moving all limbs as expected with good tone. Head The babys head was gently examined by the Student Midwife. This was done by gently running the finger tips across the babys head to feel along the suture lines and fontanelles. The Student Midwife when doing this was determining if any moulding, caput succedaneum or cephal haematoma had occurred during passage down the birth canal or from pressure from the cervical os. Slight moulding was detected and this was explained to the woman that this was normal and was caused by the bones in the skull overlapping during delivery and will resolve itself within a couple of days. The anterior fontanelle was then gently felt and found to be level. This indicated that there was no intracranial pressure which would cause it to rise or dehydration which would cause it to be depressed. It was explained that it is common to notice pulsating at the anterior fontanelle which is no cause of concern and that this soft spot closes over by the time the baby was 18 months old as confirmed by Wylie (2005). Eyes Both eyes were checked and found to be clear of any discharge. The Student Midwife suggested to the woman that if the eyes were to become sticky, which is common due to blocked tear ducts and can be seen as a crust on the eyelid, the eyes should be cleaned. To do this the woman should use cooled boiled water and cotton wool balls. Each eye should be cleaned from the inner eye outwards only using the cotton wool ball once then discarding. Each eye should be cleaned separately to avoid cross infection. Mouth Mouth was inspected by opening the mouth by gently pressing a finger against the angle of the jaw at the chin. This enabled the Student Midwife to look inside to assess the tongue, gums and palate. The Student Midwife did not insert small finger into mouth to check for a cleft palate or suck reflex as this had been established at Initial Examination of the newborn and no abnormalities had been detected. The mouth was seen to be moist and clear of any white plaques which may have suggested oral thrush as stated by Bain in Fraser and Cooper (2009). Skin Closer inspection was then done by the Student Midwife of the babys skin, looking in particular for any rashes, spots, bruising or infection. The babys nappy was removed and buttocks examined to ensure skin was intact. All appeared normal with no excoriation identified. The Student Midwife advised the woman that information on minor disorders would be given to her at the end of the examination as the Student Midwife was conscious of the babys temperature being maintained. Umbilicus Cord The umbilicus cord and clamp were inspected for signs of infection and separation. Nothing unusual was detected. The baby was redressed as quickly as possible to maintain body temperature and given to the woman to settle. Information was given to the woman on daily cord care which included that the umbilicus should be cleaned with warm tap water and patted dry which has been shown to aid separation as stated by Trotter (2003). This should be done daily and at a nappy change if required. It was explained to the woman that hand washing is essential before and after cord care as suggested by Farrell and Sittlington in Fraser and Cooper (2009) as the cord is a potential site for infection and Straphylococcus aureus is commonly found here as confirmed by Newell, Miller, Mogan et al (1997). When the woman asked when the clamp would be removed, it was confirmed that this may be done on the third or fourth day when the cord has dried out as suggested by World Health Organisation (WHO) (1999). The Student Midwife confirmed that the Daily Examination of the baby was complete and that she would now give the woman further information on minor disorders, safe baby care practice in particular Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and address any other concerns that the woman may have. EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Through out the examination the Student Midwife gave the woman information on day-to-day care and signs of illness. As previously mentioned further discussion took place with the woman regarding Minor disorders and safety issues, which is in line with NHS QIS (2004) who suggest that ay assessment or examination at birth or later should be seen as an opportunity for parental education or health promotion. This included the following ailments and explanation given to the woman: Skin Rashes Erythema toxicum. A red blotchy rash with white pinhead papules which is common during the first 7 days post natal and will disappear on its own. Miliaria. A sweat rash which occurs in babies who become too warm. It appears as clear papules on face, scalp, chest and areas where clothes rub due to unopened sweat glands. The baby should have excess clothing removed and placed in a cooler environment. The papules will disappear on their own. Milia. White or yellow papules commonly seen on cheeks, nose and forehead. Will disappear on their own. Sore buttocks/Nappy rash. The skin beneath the nappy area becomes red and excoriated due to either infrequent nappy changing, frequent loose stools or hot weather. By exposing the cleaned skin to a warm dry atmosphere aids the excoriated skin to heal. Care in using commercial barrier creams must be noted as they can prevent the one-way design of disposable nappies, blocking the perforations in the linings resulting in the urine and stools being next to the babys skin longer. Breast Engorgement of the Baby This can occur in both female and male babies around the 3rd day post natal. The breasts appear to have a lump under the nipple which is caused by the drop in oestrogen levels in the baby after birth which stimulates the breast to produce milk. No treatment is required and will rectify itself. It is important that mothers do not squeeze the breast as this may result in infection. Pseudo-menstruation It is common to notice a clear discharge or blood-stained vaginal discharge from baby girls during the withdrawal of the mothers hormone oestrogen after the birth. The mother was reassured that this is a normal physiological process which does not require treatment, although can be alarming if not aware of it. Safe Baby Care Practices The importance of reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is done by ensuring the baby sleeps in a cot in the parents room for the first 6 months. The baby should always be put on their back to sleep, with their feet to the foot of the cot. They should be lightly covered with the room at a normal temperature, not too hot. Bed sharing is not recommended especially after consuming alcohol, drugs or after smoking. The baby should be in a smoke-free atmosphere. These recommendations are formed by the Department of Health (1996). Following the birth of the baby the role of the Midwife is to observe and monitor the health of the mother and he newborn, offering information and support in breastfeeding, which is not applicable in this instance, parenting skills and signs of morbidity according to Merchant (2006). This involved effective communication with the woman through out the examination to ensure that the woman conveyed her concerns, maintained control over her decision making with regards to the baby, assisted her in making informed choices and reduced her anxiety levels and emotional distress as suggested by Raynor (2006). In order that the womans physical and emotional status was commensurate with effective communication, the Student Midwife had to assess the womans emotional state when receiving information, which was done by asking how the woman was feeling before commencing the babys Daily Examination. The womans state could have been effected by pain, tiredness, hormonal changes or if the baby was c rying/distressed due to being hungry or requiring changing. Therefore the timing of conducting the Examination was essential to ensure that the woman retained the majority of the information given to her without being distracted due to other factors. In this instance the woman was receptive to the information given, which would assist her in the daily care of her baby, as according to McCourt in Page and McCandlish (2006) the transition to parenthood is a time when adults are responsive to information and will look for it actively. As the Midwife becomes familiar with the appearance and behaviour of a normal term newborn, the recognition of signs and signals caused by morbidity are easily communicated to the mother to assist her in recognising when there are any deviations from the normal with her baby. The importance of this is in preparing the mother for discharge home as the length of time spent in hospital is decreasing according to Bain in Fraser and Cooper (2009). As well as educating the woman with clinical skills (e.g. daily care of the baby, recognising signs of illness) the Midwifes role also encapsulates being able to provide relevant information / advice on general health promotion, social support and mental health. PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS As the woman was a first time mother it was important to establish that the woman had adequate support in caring for herself and the baby. This was established by the Student Midwife by familiarising herself with the woman and babys SWMR and Case notes which would highlight any social issues that may have needed addressing as the social circumstances in which a woman lives and a newborn brought into play a major part in their health and well being according to Raynor (2006). In this instance the woman was in a stable relationship with no reported Domestic Abuse, was not in temporary housing, had no social work involvement, no mental health issues and had good family support as routinely asked during Booking appointment and recorded in SWMR notes. It was important for the Student Midwife to spend time with the woman and baby in quiet surroundings, free from interruption which offered privacy and allowed the communication of sensitive and confidential information to be shared between the woman and the Student Midwife following NIPE Standards and Competencies (NHS, 2008). This gave the Student Midwife the opportunity to assess the womans psychosocial well-being by asking how she was coping (defined as coming to terms with a situation according to Lazarus (1966)) so far with the baby / becoming a mother and also to ascertain the womans expectations of becoming a mother. It is known that in adjusting to motherhood, the woman can feel insecure and loses confidence in her own abilities in the early postnatal period, especially on the lead up to and after discharge as confirmed by Ward and Mitchell (2004). Factors which can influence this are the womans personality, previous learning, quality/quantity of support available and past ex periences of coping. The woman, in this instance stated that although she knew it would take some time to adjust to lack of sleep and was slightly anxious about going home, she had good support from her partner, mother and friends; she had no immediate concerns about caring for the baby. CONCLUSION In conclusion it is the Student Midwifes opinion that the Daily Examination of the Term Infant was carried out following KCND (NHS, 2009) guidelines and that the NIPE Standards and Competencies (NHS, 2008) were adhered to. The baby was examined in a safe and comfortable environment, was shown respect and care from the Student Midwife whilst performing Daily Examination and full explanation was given to the woman as to what was being checked and looked for. The Student Midwife ensured that the woman had the opportunity to ask questions or offer sensitive information through out this encounter by providing privacy and confidentiality in line with NMC (2008) and ESC (NHS, 2009). All findings and discussion were documented in mother and baby SWMR notes accordingly in line with NMC (2007) The role of the Midwife in Educational and Psychosocial needs is to give the woman, relevant health advice for the baby and themselves, reassurance and permission to say how they feel. This follows a health orientated and woman centred model of care, which recommends that the role of the Midwife is to encourage the womans self confidence, ability to take control and self esteem as suggested by Bates in Stewart (2004). In a recent study it was concluded that healthy, low risk women wanted attentive, proactive, professional support from the Midwife during the transition to motherhood according to Seefat-van Teeffelen, Nieuwenhuijze, Korstjens (2009) which the Student Midwife believes was given during this Daily Examination of a Term Infant.

Free College Admissions Essays: An Experience that Changed Me :: College Admissions Essays

College Admissions : Describe an experience that changed you    The black pirate hat danced around in the air, weaving and bobbing to some Disneyland music. Attached to it was my head and the rest of me, being dragged along on this wild ride. The only sounds I heard were ones of trumpets soaring higher and higher, trying to hit an absurdly high note. The pirate hat and the warm Florida night had taken control, and my self-consciousness went right out the window. I danced, not greatly or with any skill whatsoever, but I danced. For that one night, at the end of our trip to Florida and Walt Disney World, I enjoyed life in a way I never have before.       Earlier that evening, I had wandered around the hotel, feeling lonely and bored. My roommate and I had planned on visiting the theme parks, but his father, a chaperon, had taken him out for a surprise birthday dinner. So I was left alone to wander. Feeling in the mood to play some video games, I headed out to the arcade with a crisp ten dollar bill. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out, penniless, after quickly finding out that I should never get behind the wheel of a race car. I don't believe I even managed to complete one lap, let alone finish. On the way back, I ran into some friends of mine, who had returned from dinner to get their tickets for the theme parks. Seeing how lonely I was, they invited me to go with them. I agreed, happy to do anything.       We got our tickets, and decided to go to the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks and the parade. When we arrived there, we walked around, stopping to get some ice cream and pie. The air was constantly filled with the screams of joy from children running around, and every person had a smile on his face. The happy mood was contagious and I began to smile myself. My two friends sat down for a minute to enjoy their ice cream, so I went into a store looking for a souvenir. The pirate hat sat on the table, looking silly even from across the room. I moved closer, a smile and a chuckle coming from me as I thought about what my friends might say. A cartoonish sticker of Captain Hook was on the front brim, and his large smile sold me. Free College Admissions Essays: An Experience that Changed Me :: College Admissions Essays College Admissions : Describe an experience that changed you    The black pirate hat danced around in the air, weaving and bobbing to some Disneyland music. Attached to it was my head and the rest of me, being dragged along on this wild ride. The only sounds I heard were ones of trumpets soaring higher and higher, trying to hit an absurdly high note. The pirate hat and the warm Florida night had taken control, and my self-consciousness went right out the window. I danced, not greatly or with any skill whatsoever, but I danced. For that one night, at the end of our trip to Florida and Walt Disney World, I enjoyed life in a way I never have before.       Earlier that evening, I had wandered around the hotel, feeling lonely and bored. My roommate and I had planned on visiting the theme parks, but his father, a chaperon, had taken him out for a surprise birthday dinner. So I was left alone to wander. Feeling in the mood to play some video games, I headed out to the arcade with a crisp ten dollar bill. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out, penniless, after quickly finding out that I should never get behind the wheel of a race car. I don't believe I even managed to complete one lap, let alone finish. On the way back, I ran into some friends of mine, who had returned from dinner to get their tickets for the theme parks. Seeing how lonely I was, they invited me to go with them. I agreed, happy to do anything.       We got our tickets, and decided to go to the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks and the parade. When we arrived there, we walked around, stopping to get some ice cream and pie. The air was constantly filled with the screams of joy from children running around, and every person had a smile on his face. The happy mood was contagious and I began to smile myself. My two friends sat down for a minute to enjoy their ice cream, so I went into a store looking for a souvenir. The pirate hat sat on the table, looking silly even from across the room. I moved closer, a smile and a chuckle coming from me as I thought about what my friends might say. A cartoonish sticker of Captain Hook was on the front brim, and his large smile sold me.

Salvador de Madariagas La jirafa sagrada (The Sacred Giraffe) Essay

Salvador de Madariaga's La jirafa sagrada (The Sacred Giraffe) Amidst the fight for women’s suffrage in Spain, Salvador de Madariaga wrote The sacred giraffe, being the second volume of the posthumous works of Julio. In 1925, the time the book was published, women in the United States and much of Europe had secured the right to vote while those in Spain still remained in the fight. Madariaga an active politician as well as a writer sets up his novel as a world turned upside down. The humorous account of a make believe world where women have switched places with men depict the seemingly backwards society as a relative utopia based on peoples attitudes, rather than its social structure. The sacred giraffe starts out with a science conference contrasting the people in a mythical land known as Europe to their particular society, the Ebonites. In this land, males were thought to have dominated the public life of the fabled White Race; a humorous concept to the black women, the leaders of Ebonite society. Not only are the gender roles and skin tones different but the strange Race of 5000 years ago, were thought to be cannibalistic because "the Whites stored the remains of their dead instead of burning them"(3). The land of Ebony is a portrayed such that black is white, male is female, up is down, in this twilight-zone style country. The story plays out as a peek through a small window of time and space into the Ebonite society, centered around the doctoress Zama and her family as Zama tries to convince people that Europe did exist while her husband M’Zama, tries to fix up his brother with an eligible young women named Scruta. All the while the reader is given a tour of Ebony, exploring the major sites of the religious hive, ... ... is a long time and you don’t remember, but in those days no rain ever fell on the sea, nor on lakes, nor on rivers and brooks†¦Fish had no bones, so that children could eat them without making their parents choke, and oysters could be opened as if by persuasion"(189). The overall message of Madariaga is that it is the characteristics of each individual that form a functional society. It is neither the gender nor the color nor the exact workings of the government that allow the formation of a Utopia. Even from a seemingly ridiculous culture it is the moral thread that binds the people. The work may have been designed to influence the political swing of Spain, but its instruction holds true in all of humankind. Works Cited Madariaga, Salvador de. The sacred giraffe, being the second volume of the posthumous works of Julio. London: Martin Hopkinson & Co., 1925

Formational Hermeneutics

When the Journey of that begins at the intersections of sin and shame, the destination is almost convincingly assured. It is difficult to block out the persistent, internal voice that whispers, uniform no good. You're a sinner. You're a loser. You'll never amount to anything significant in this life. † These internal whispers convince people that they are nothing more than â€Å"wretches† who are somehow lucky to be â€Å"saved† by God's â€Å"amazing grace. † To that point, some of the most significant Christian hymns may even be guilty of reinforcing this type of â€Å"theology'. On the other hand, many â€Å"goodChristian people† are afraid of what they perceive as â€Å"the alternative theology' which they somehow think subtlety and incorrectly suggests, muff are gods. You have Christ-consciousness. You are divine. † Many well-meaning followers of Christ are afraid that giving these words any space in their hearts may actually lead them d own a completely different road of skewed theology by convincing them that they should be the one sitting in God's place, that they don't need to rely on anyone bigger than themselves because they already have everything they need in and of themselves.The Christian's primary responsibility is to determine exactly what the Bible says about their true identity and what their responsibilities are as followers of Christ. A Christian living out of their true identity in Christ has the power to change the world. Who is Christ? In order to properly understand their true identity in Christ, a Christian must first appropriately determine who Jesus Christ actually is. While this may seem like a fairly simple question on the surface, it may actually be much more complicated than originally expected.For example, the Jesus many Christians come to know when they first experience heir life-transforming moment of faith (Conversion Experience) may not be the same Jesus to them twenty years later. Li fe's many twists and turns have a tendency to distort some Christians' understanding of Jesus. The simple, â€Å"child-like† faith that originally rescued them from the domain of darkness has become much more complicated and convoluted through the years and their image of who Jesus is has the tendency to be drastically altered through these experiences.For others, the Christ they came to know by faith turned out to be more of an â€Å"intellectual Christ† than anything else. Once they finally had the opportunity to meet the real Jesus â€Å"experientially', it changed their complete understanding of who He really is. Much like Saul on the Road to Damascus, when the authentic Jesus shows up in all of His glory, He has a tendency to turn everything we always thought we knew completely upside down! One's personal, intellectual knowledge of Him? Is it through a personal experience one has at some point in life?Or could it be that the best way to honestly understand who Je sus Christ is can be found in the pages of His Word, the Bible? The story of who Jesus is remains consistent throughout the pages of Scripture according to Stan Janet and Bruce Bicker: Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, The Messiah, The Savior of the World. He came to earth to show humanity how they were designed to live, and as a result of Him living this kind of life fully and completely, humanity sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion. Manta 1998, 205-211) But even death couldn't stop Jesus.His resurrection from the dead proved that He was who He said He was and that He was capable of changing everything for those who trusted Him enough to put their complete confidence in Him. According to Christian Smith, Jesus Christ is also â€Å"the purpose, center, and interpretive key' to the entire Bible. (Smith 2011, 97) When the Holy Scriptures are read â€Å"Characteristically, Chronologically, and Characteristically', the story of the Bible finally begins making spiritual sense. (Smi th 2011, 98) The Bible is all about Jesus.Every Old Testament story foreshadows Him. Every Prophecy points to Him. The Gospels are an eyewitness account of His life and the remainder of the New Testament reinforces who Jesus is and why He should be the centerpiece for everyone who calls him or herself a Christian. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh pursuing a relationship with His children. He is trying to show them who they really are in relationship to Him. He is desperately trying to convince them of their true identity because he understands the implications of this life-altering truth.It has been misunderstood and misrepresented by well-meaning Christians for thousands of years and it continues to be misunderstood today, but if those who call themselves followers of Christ could finally understand their true identity and begin living freely and unabashedly out of that identity, it would have the power to revolutionize the oral! Christian Smith does an amazing Job of convincing hi s readers that the interpretive key to understanding not only what the Bible is all about, but who they are in their core identity is Jesus Christ Himself. Who Are We in Christ?In the tenth chapter of John's Gospel we find a very interesting interaction between Jesus and a group of unbelieving Jews during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. Jesus was in the temple area walking in Salmon's Colonnade when he finds Himself surrounded by a group of Jews who desperately want Him to tell them plainly if he is â€Å"the Christ†. Jesus responds to their intense questioning by ultimately saying, â€Å"l and the Father are one. † Noon 10:30 NIB) Upon hearing this, the Bible says that several of the Jews picked up stones intending to stone Jesus to death.What could've possibly caused this type of response from the Jews? It could only be that Jesus, a mere man in their eyes, was making a direct claim to be God Himself. This was considered a sin of blasphemy and was punishable by death! This is where the passage starts to get interesting and much can be learned about the Christian's true identity when we understand the intent behind Jesus' words. Even though the Jews reiterate their reasoning for their desire to stone Jesus to death in verse 33 as blasphemy, Jesus' response is what's most intriguing as it relates to the basis of this assignment.Being the true Rabbi and Scholar He was known to written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods'? If he called them ‘gods,' to whom the word of God came – and the Scripture cannot be broken – what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘l am God's Son? Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. † According to Author and Theologian D. A. Carson, when Jesus quotes Psalm 82, He's proving that the word ‘god' is â€Å"legitimately used to refer to others besides God himself. Carson 1991, 397) If there are others whom God can address as ‘god', then why should anyone object when Jesus says He is God's Son? Furthermore, how could anyone object that one of the most pressing issues in the Church today is for Chrism's Followers to begin living as the ‘gods' they were created to be? After all, doesn't this Scripture seem to support the idea that True Followers of Jesus Christ are created with God's Divine DNA? In the very essence of their being, aren't true Followers of Christ indeed divine?It is absolutely essential that Christians begin learning to live appropriately as ‘gods' if they're going to experience everything God intended them to experience in this life. In order to completely understand what Jesus is saying in the tenth chapter of John's Gospel, it's critical to read and understand Psalm 82 in it's entirely and determine precisely what was being said, to whom it was being said and why Jesus chose to quote this particular passage of the Bible at this exact moment in time while He was being accused of the sin of blasphemy.Carson suggests a few options in correctly understanding and interpreting Psalm 82: 1 . God is addressing Israel's Judges – The Judges are referred to as ‘gods' because they exercise Justice â€Å"divinely' by determining who will be â€Å"saved† and who will be â€Å"wiped out†. Unfortunately these Judges are actually accused of corrupting Justice in Psalm 82. 2. God is addressing Angelic Powers – Based upon evidence in the Separating and certain ancient documents from Kumara, it has been suggested that the ‘gods' referred to may be fallen angelic beings.If these types of angels can be referred to as ‘gods', then certainly Jesus appropriately uses the term in reference to Himself. 3. God is addressing Israel at the time of The Giving of the Law – Many Rabbi's ascribed this view of Psalm 82. Carson seems convinced that this is the most si mple and yet accurate view of Psalm 82: God addressing all of Israel. (Carson 1991, 398-399) Understanding the entire context of Psalm 82 is critical to an appropriate understanding of what Jesus is saying back in John 10.If God can refer to the entire nation of Israel as ‘gods' and ‘sons of the Most High', then Jesus has provided satirical precedent for why He chooses to refer not only to Himself as the â€Å"Son of God† throughout the Gospels, but specifically why it's completely appropriate, even more, why it's preferred that we understand our own identity as ‘gods' and ‘sons of the Most High' as we live the Christian life today. (Gabrielle 1991, 535) Indeed our complete goal in this life according to C. S. Lewis is to become a â€Å"little Christ† and to begin living out of this life-transforming truth! (Lewis 1952, 58) A Compelling Argument for Thesis?Thesis is a term commonly used by the Eastern Orthodox Church to describe the desired end result of the salvation process. † (Lowell 1984, 1191) The word was made man, it is that men might become gods. † (Lowell 1984, 1191) Similar phrases are also found with many other Church Fathers such as Euthanasia and many others to support their understanding of what encompasses a true salvation experience. Gregory of NASA, Justine Martyr, Hippopotamus of Rome, Basil of Caesar, Clement of Alexandria all understood the process of what later came to be known as â€Å"Thesis†. Augustine of Hippo said, â€Å"For He hath given them power to become the sons of God.If we have been made sons of God, we have also been made gods. It doesn't get much more obvious than this. Except maybe when Clement of Alexandria said, â€Å"The Word of God became man, that thou majesty learn from man how man may become God. † (Roberts 1994, Volvo. 2) These and other great Theologians down through the years use Biblical Texts like Romans 8:29, 1 John 3:2 and especially 2 Peter 1:4 to support their understanding of the doctrine of Thesis. Certainly one must consider the â€Å"preponderance of the evidence† when considering the doctrine of Thesis and whether or not a person has the potential of experiencing divinity.According to the Apostle Peter, believers are invited to â€Å"participate in the divine nature† as the ultimate goal of every human life. This â€Å"divination† is in fact the ultimate spiritual experience available to everyone who identifies himself or herself as a follower of Jesus Christ. Becoming more divine, more like God by understanding the importance of taking on a divine nature may be the most important and most neglected aspect of Christian Spirituality today. In fact, if it's true that â€Å"divination† is the ultimate fulfillment of what it means to be human, the process may be more appropriately offered to as ultimate â€Å"humiliation. (Christensen 2008, 325) Divination is not a transcending of what it mea ns to be human, but the fulfillment of what it means to be human. As the Apostle John so eloquently says in 1 John 3:2, â€Å"when he Jesus) appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. † While many readers believe this text refers to some point in the future when the believer passes on from this life and meets Christ face-to-face in the next life, a growing number of theologically astute readers recognize this text as a promise for today!When the Apostle Paul experienced the Risen Christ personally on the Road to Damascus in Acts 9, didn't he â€Å"see him as he is†, and wasn't he transformed by the power of Chrism's Divinity? This same power is at work in the world and available to Followers of Christ today! When those who claim to be believers in Christ experience the power of the Resurrected Jesus, they are truly never the same. Their lives are transformed. They are changed into Little Chrism's.They have the power of Divinity within them now as Chi ldren of the King of the Universe. In his Epistle to the Romans Paul said God predestined† those whom He foreknew to be â€Å"conformed to the likeness of his Son. † Was this simply a promise for life in the next world, or was this meant to be a promise lived out powerfully in today's world? When Paul lived out of this life- transforming truth himself, he was used by God to change almost everything and everyone around him.He testified as he was locked to prison guards, he stood before powerful Kings and unlike anyone else before him was able to do, Paul took the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles which changed the first-century world and continues to change the world today! A Holistic, Spiritual Response Are we all God's Children, or only Christians? This is a provocative question and one determine the way one approaches all of life. There are so many people who describe themselves as â€Å"Christians† in the world, yet never received a proper understanding of their true identity.What exactly does it mean to be a true â€Å"Christian†, a â€Å"little Christ†? Does it mean you are simply a follower of Christ, relying upon Him for your existence in this world but more importantly looking forward to the promise of your true â€Å"deification† in the next world? Or could it mean that your rue â€Å"divination† is available right here, right now in this world and that it has untapped power and potential to not only completely alter your life as you know it, but everyone else's life who comes into contact with you?It has been the intention of this paper to show that true â€Å"Christians† are sons and daughters of God right here, right now in this life today, and as God's Children, today's Christians have the power of God's Divine DNA living in them today! Imagine what an incredible impact this truth could have upon our world! Imagine what could happen if all Christians began understanding and living out of their true identity in Christ. God's Word says that as confessing Christians, we are all â€Å"gods† and â€Å"partakers in the Divine Nature† according to Holy Scripture.For many people who know this truth intellectually but have never learned out the power of this truth practically, it has had little to no impact upon their lives and religion has been Just that, stale, old religion with no perceived power to impact their lives in a practical way. But for a small minority of others who are beginning to grasp this truth beyond simply intellectually, it is impacting their lives and their worlds in unimaginable ways! Is it genuinely possible that Protestants have missed this amazing Biblical truth for all these years?And for those Orthodox brothers and sisters who are taught this doctrine from a very young age, why hasn't it had the life-transforming effect on their lives that seems so inevitable when one begins to understand the Biblical Teaching of Thesi s and Divination? What did Jesus really mean when He quoted Psalm 82 as He was about to get stoned to death for claiming to be God? It seems as though people making a lain to divinity has always had two very distinct effects on people: Some are drawn to the person and give up everything to follow them and learn from them as either God's Representative or in some cases as God Himself.Or they are completely put off by the claim and seek to put an end to the person making it (Remember the peoples' response to Jesus in John 10: 33). Could it be possible that there is a better way to understand Jesus' complex teaching on this topic? What if the Doctrine of Thesis was never meant to have such a divisive and popularizing effect, but instead was intended o bring power to the life of every Christian and enable to live the way God originally designed them to live in this life and the life to come?It is the intention of this author to prove that the â€Å"Christian† response to the teac hing of â€Å"Divination† and â€Å"Self- Deification† or â€Å"Thesis† should not be an â€Å"either/or† response, but a â€Å"yes/and† reply. (Roar 2013, 205) Yes, the Bible seems to very clearly teach that Jesus is 100% human, and it also teaches that Jesus is 100% divine. This is non-dual, inclusive thinking (Roar 2013, 235) and it is the type of thinking Christians need to implement more often if they are ever going to live the way they were designed to live – as gods in a God-bathed world.What Difference Does it Make in Practical Ministry? Responsibility in parenting their children. An effective parent wants nothing more than for their children to know who they are at their core and to live out of that unique, God-given identity. An effective pastor also wants the members of his or her congregation to understand who they are created to be and to be able to live out of that identity. The problem with so many Christians today is that the y've never been taught who hey really are in Christ: At their core being, according to Jesus' own teaching in John 10, they are gods.