Ethnicity and the Immigrant Experience Essay Example

Ethnicity and the Immigrant Experience Essay Example Ethnicity and the Immigrant Experience Essay Ethnicity and the Immigrant Experience Essay Ethnicity and the Immigrant Experience When thinking about immigration, most individuals imagine all different types of ethnic groups traveling to a separate land away from their own. Most imagine America. Immigration, throughout history, has occurred within all types of ethnicities. When taking a closer look at the individuals living in America, it is apparent that everyone is not exactly like one another. Assimilation becomes a popular word used when discussing migration, and both positives and negatives come along with it. Two theorists that discuss the meaning of assimilation in their writings are Stephen Steinberg in his book, Ethnic Myth, and Milton Gordon in his book Assimilation in American Life. They discuss issues regarding assimilation and how they affect the nation as a whole. A novel written by Chang-Rae Lee titled, Native Speaker, gives specific examples as to how the assimilation process affects others and the migrants themselves, as also described in both Steinberg and Gordon’s books. In Steinberg’s book, Ethnic Myth, he discusses with his readers the issues regarding ethnic identity and assimilation. This is presented and explained in the chapter titled, The Atrophy of Ethnic Cultures. He first talks about the idea of the â€Å"melting pot† and how it should not be analyzed lightly. He gives a quote from John Higham that says, â€Å"Loud assertions of pluralism almost invariably betray fears of assimilation† (Steinberg, 59). This means that minority groups that try to maintain their cultural traditions may, in fact, risk assimilation by doing so. Another point he brings to the surface is that when looking back at second or third generations of a specific minority group, these people still can relate back to their original traditions and culture identity. He then says, â€Å"But can the same be said of the new generation which has known only the Americanized version of the original culture? † (Steinberg, 60). This is an obvious prevailing issue when it comes to preserving ones culture. An example within the novel, Native Speaker, would be when Henry, the main character described as a Korean immigrant, explains the history with his father. His father, living in America, would gather with friends and participate in ggeh’s, or â€Å"money clubs. † Here they would win money and eventually, that is all that mattered to the Korean group. The shift from typical Korean traditions to owning all this land and money in American became a vast transformation. Henry says about his father, â€Å"In America, he said, it’s even hard to stay Korean. These alterations from one ethnic experience and tradition to another can be lost very quickly and potentially never be replenished. Throughout both Steinberg and Gordon’s writing, they both have similarities and differences when regarding assimilation. Gordon talks about these â€Å"ethnic meetings† which refer to assimilation. Throughout Gordon’s chapter titled, The Nature of Assimilation, he gives a numerous amount of definitions from theorists and writers that differ in various ways. In an essay that Gordon leaves the author anonymous in this chapter defines assimilation as â€Å"the process by which different cultures, or individuals or groups representing different cultures, are merged into a homogenous unit. Here Gordon talks about assimilation as positive, whereas Steinberg takes a different approach. Steinberg suggests that assimilation is not always a positive aspect simply because it can result in the loss of a cultural identity. This is present in Native Speaker because Henry continuously tries indulging himself into American culture. He cannot fully accomplish this, which essentially results in his wife, Lelia, leaving him in the beginning of the novel. As there are differences within Steinberg and Gordon’s readings, they do agree upon their understanding of the nature within assimilation. Gordon says that cultural behavior changes â€Å"may take place in the cultures of either one of the two groups, or there may be a reciprocal influence whereby the cultures of both groups are modified† (Gordon, 62). Steinberg agrees with this statement because he suggests that the changing of one’s culture is at high risk when incorporated into a different culture. He says, â€Å"The ethnic crisis only begins with the fact that the core elements of traditional culture have been modified, diluted, compromised, and finally relinquished† (Steinberg, 62). Both writers describe this lack of identity in one way or another. Assimilation is apparent in any society, especially America. People of different backgrounds continuously trying to come together to create one nation is a crucial aspect in society today. Steinberg, Gordon, and Lee all discuss how assimilation has issues when it comes to preserving ones ethnic traditions and identity. What they all convey to readers however, is the fact that the merging of cultures will forever be essential and inevitable. Steinberg, Steven. The Ethnic Myth: Race, Ethnicity, and Class in America. Boston: Beacon Press, 1978. Print. Lee, Chang-Rae. Native Speaker. New York: Riverhead Books, 1995. Print. Gordon, Milton. The Nature of Assimilation. Oxford University Press, 1964. eBook.

Banning Guns Would be bad for The Economy Essay Example

Banning Guns Would be bad for The Economy Essay Example Banning Guns Would be bad for The Economy Essay Banning Guns Would be bad for The Economy Essay Essay Topic: Gun Control The assault The US, is home to the worlds highest per capita gun numbers. Gun control has been a matter of constant debate with proponents and opponents putting forth valid arguments to support their positions. Recent incidences of mass shooting have invigorated and emboldened those rooting for a ban on guns especially the assault rifles. Hypocrisy and politics have influenced the whole discussion surrounding the issue of banning guns leaving a vague picture of the real issues that should inform such arguments. In all the deliberations, there are vital aspects that many tend not to acknowledge, are ignorant of or ignore without giving them much thought. One such aspect is the economic consequences of a ban on gun ownership by ordinary citizens. Banning guns has a significant impact on the economy. The firearms industry is a big contributor to the U.S. economy and banning guns would have severe economic consequences. Banning guns will lead to massive job losses in the gun industry. The gun industry employs many people who would be rendered jobless in the case of a shut-down of the sector due to a ban on gun use by private individuals. The last two years alone recorded the creation of over 34000 new jobs most of which offer impressive salaries (Fraser, 2016). Currently, there are about 263223 jobs related to or in the firearms and other ammunition industry. Those working in the sector get to carry home an annual average remuneration package of $ 52220.The industries wages grew significantly from an initial $ 2.4 billion to roughly $ 6 billion in 2016. The economic figures for 2015 indicate that $ 42.96 billion of money pumped into the economy was from the firearms and ammunition industry with $ 5.79 billion of it going to the state federal governments a tax revenue. Given the figures, it is clear for one to see that the firearms and ammunition industry is one that has a huge potential for the econ omy contributing significantly to the countrys GDP (Gross domestic product). Several other industries are dependent on the viability of guns as a market product for their survival. The companies dependent on guns include those that manufacture, sell or distribute sporting ammunition, firearms and ammunition are all vital to the economys well-being. All these industries contribute significantly to the amount of money that government receives in taxes (Fraser, 2016). Gun sports may become a thing of the past in the event of a ban on guns. Money received by event organizers of such sports will be lost. As such, the money pumped into the economy through the sport may be lost. Fees that the relevant states charge for the all gun sport related events will be no longer available. The effect may be a strain on county revenues forcing some of them negatively impacting their service delivery due to financial constraints. The NSSF (National Shooting sports Foundation) noted that in 2011, expenditures on industry equipment were $ 5.3 billion. Firearms account for $ 2.4 billion of the total amount with the figure for ammunition used in rifles, shotguns and handguns standing at about $ 700 million. The remaining figure is filled up by other relevant accessories such as decoys, game calls, telescopes, hand-loading equipment, hunting dogs, components, other shooting and hunting equipment, and the costs associated with them. Sporting hunters spend an annual amount of $ 24 billion every year (Kay, 2010). Most the items that they need are found sports goods shops, pro shops and specialty stores that employ thousands and make a significant contribution to the gross domestic product. The U.S. firearms market supports other economies especially in Europe. About eighty percent of all firearms manufactured for commercial purposes globally are in the hands of American citizens. Many countries are usually keen on attending major firearm industry show to understand the market better. Some of the European economies are quite fragile and rely heavily on Americas goodwill for their stability. Most of them are allies underscoring the need to ensure that the policies adopted in the use do not serve to sabotage their economy. The prosperity of such nations is more beneficial to the Americas strategic interests compared to their failure. Brazil, a South American country is the single largest exporter of firearms to the U.S. The countrys economy is gaining strength as it tries to position itself as one of the fast-rising economies. A ban on firearms in the U.S. will send shocks to the economy and slow down its growth prospects (DiMauro, 2013). Criminal activities are bound to increase with a ban on gun ownership. The knowledge that individuals no longer keep guns with them will be a catalyst for increased criminal activities as many criminals hope to take advantage of peoples inability to defend themselves against an intrusion, burglary, mugging or attack (DiMauro, 2013). Cases of people losing their properties and hard-earned cash are bound to go up. Such losses may mean an inability by those affected to meet their financial obligations and contribute effectively to the nations GDP. Most proceeds of criminal activities tend to go unaccounted for as criminals try to avoid expenditures that may attract the attention of the taxman. The government as usual also stands to lose in such a scenario in the form of uncollected taxes. With an upsurge in criminal activities due to a ban on guns, potential investors may be scared of investing in the economy and opt for safer and more viable destinations. A simple ban will have created a huge economic nightmare for the country and slowed down its economic growth prospects. Areas around the world where the economies have suffered due to the presence criminal gangs that terrorize people and interfere with the economic activities in the have experienced low investor confidence. Before even imagining of placing a ban on guns and other ammunition, there is a need to consider such issues to avoid creating another major problem that has severe economic consequences. Some countries have even seen an upsurge in rings of extortionist gangs that demand a share of the revenues of traders affecting their profitability and as such their viability forcing many of the businesspersons to close shop due to losses (DiMauro, 2013). Gun ownership endears many people around the world to the U.S. as a country. The country is known for its unique culture that supports great freedom for the citizenry. The extent of freedom enjoyed by the citizenry is almost second to none. Gun ownership adds to the whole package that makes the countrys culture the most popular in the world (Kay, 2010). The experience has contributed to the success of many American industries not just from within but also outside the country. The movie industry has been one of the greatest beneficiaries. With knowledge of the freedom of gun ownership in the country, viewers of action movies that depict heroes using guns find the movies as being depictive of the reality on the ground. Actors in possession are not necessarily viewed as criminals like in many other countries. Rather, they are seen as being just like any other person able to defend themselves in the event that the need arises. Such depiction helps in managing peoples expectations as they appreciate scenes that appear realistic. The video games on the market such as Need for Speed thrive due to the existing laws that allow for carrying of firearms. Clearly, the firearms and ammunition industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy and as such banning guns will be detrimental to the economy. The industry offers numerous and lucrative employment opportunities. Banning guns will lead to huge job losses in the firearms industry. Several other industries rely on the viability of guns as a market product for their existence. Expenditures on gun-related products offer a significant revenue stream for both business owners and the government in the form of taxes. The U.S. firearms market not only benefits the country but also other economies that rely on firearm exports to the U.S. for a considerable proportion of their exports. Banning guns may have the effect of increasing criminal activities, a factor that may cause among potential investors. Law investor confidence means less investment which will certainly slow down economic growth. One cannot underestimate the kind of enthusiasm that gun ownership creates among people from ot her countries towards the U.S. The interest in American affairs and culture helps promote the sales of the countrys products globally. There is a need for relevant stakeholders to reconsider any actions geared towards banning of guns for the sake of the countrys economy. References DiMauro, L. (2013). Gun control. [electronic resource] : restricting rights or protecting people?. Detroit, Mich. : Gale, 2013. Fraser, M. (2016). Politics, Guns, and Money. New Labor Forum (Sage Publications Inc.), 25(2), 102-104. doi:10.1177/1095796016639269 Kay, L. (2010, November 28). Area economy benefits from hunting. Daily News, The (Jacksonville, NC).

5 Building Blocks of Your Characters Personality

5 Building Blocks of Your Characters Personality 5 Building Blocks of Your Character’s Personality 5 Building Blocks of Your Character’s Personality By Mark Nichol Now that you’ve decided what your character’s motivation is, it’s time to actually construct the vessel in which this purpose will reside. Just how do you build a person? By creating a life where none existed. Start at the base, and work your way up: 1. Childhood How was the character’s early life? What was the person’s family like? It doesn’t take much effort to stray too far into pop psychology, but household composition and environment have a significant bearing on personality. So does one’s experiences in school and in social settings as a child and an adolescent. Is domestic trauma in the character’s past? Social stigma at school? An unusual amount of teenage angst? Were they abused, neglected, spoiled, enriched? Were they denied a childhood, or unable to outgrow it? You don’t need to write your character’s biography, but you should know the outline. 2. Relationships Is the character a loner, or a social butterfly? What type of family and friends does the character have? How do they interact with acquaintances and strangers? Do they have a romantic relationship or casual sexual partners? If they’re gay, are they out, or closeted? Are they extremely close to a few friends, or do they have a wide but shallow social circle? 3. Livelihood What does the character do for a living? That may be integral to the story, or it may be incidental. Readers deserve to know, though. But don’t lock in a stereotype. It’s easy to associate personality traits with certain professions or pastimes. What’s not so easy but is oh, so satisfying is to cast against type: How about a happy-go-lucky private eye? A softhearted crook? A wizard who can’t spell straight? Do they like their job? Are they fulfilled, or frustrated? Good at what they do, or inept? How do they relate to those above and below them in the workplace hierarchy? Do they lie, cheat, or steal, or are they a paragon of productivity? Either way, are they rewarded, or punished, or ignored? 4. Pastimes What does your character do after work, on weekends? Where do they vacation? What are their hobbies, interests, passions? Do they have an eccentric or unexpected avocation? Do they have a remarkable skill or talent no one knows about? Are they philanthropic or charitable, or is all their spare time given to family and friends, or are they devoted only to themselves? 5. Outlook Is the sun always shining, or does a perpetual rain cloud perch just over the character’s shoulder? Are they blithe, cheerful, confident? Suspicious, resentful, fearful? Whether your character’s glass is half full or half empty will determine the story’s tone, so check the person’s beverage before you put fingers to keyboard or pen to paper. What are your character’s political views and social opinions? Are they religious? Skeptical? Atheistic? Scientifically minded, or superstitious? Are they charismatic, or a wallflower? So many questions! But so many answers must be provided and many more must be discovered on the journey that is the act of writing. (And some answers may change.) This character design is essential to your success not just for your main character but also, to varying degrees, for major and minor supporting players and for walk-ons. Whether you’re aiming for high literature or genre fiction, the extent to which you care about your characters and their personalities will in large part determine how readers respond to them. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Words for Facial Expressions50 Diminutive Suffixes (and a Cute Little Prefix)Preposition Mistakes #3: Two Idioms

Autoclave Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Autoclave - Essay Example The relationship between temperature and pressure is a directly proportional one. In chemistry when the pressure of a gas rises, the temperature of the gas increase correspondingly too. With this principle in mind steam is a gas used in the autoclave chamber. Increasing its pressure in a closed system will lead to increase in temperature. At higher temperatures water molecules of the steam become more invigorated. At this vigorous speed the molecule’s penetration escalates. This principle proves to be advantageous because it reduces the time taken by the things in the autoclave to sterilize (Hussain, 2009). As mentioned above dry heat and moist heat can both provide sterilization but they differ in some manners. Dry heat accounts on oxidizing molecule for its action. Dry heat’s mechanism of action is slower than moist heat. Dry heat penetrates walls of substances much slower than moist heat. Dry heat is used in sterilizing glass products, oils and powders. Due to its slow mechanism of action sterilization by dry heat is done at 171 degrees centigrade for 1 hour and the time may increase depending on volume. Dry heat may also be used in the shape of an open flame used to sterilize inoculating loops, mouths of pipettes and culture tubes. On the other hand moist heat destroys organisms by the denaturing proteins and also by disrupting the membrane of lipids. Moist heat is favored because of its penetration powers. It is known that the most resistant spores require a temperature of 121Â °C for around half an hour to denature. Hence moist heat application is more effective compared to dry heat sterilization. This can also be proven by the fact that moist heat, sterilization can be completed at lower temperatures in lesser time. Culture media, flammable and heat-sensitive items, liquids and dense loads can be sterilized by moist heat (Black,

Personal Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Personal Change - Essay Example Personal leadership principles for rest of the life would entail honest working, humble approach, dedication and devotion, and fair dealings without any compromise on the matter and subject of leadership and the given task at hand. What personal growth and insight have u developed for yourself by attending this class? How are they meaningful? The class experience allowed for better understanding of the concept of leadership. The various tests, the handling of the unforeseen situations. The class environment allowed me to work on the areas where I lacked behind, and explore the new dimensions such as that of the authentic leadership. Further growth was seen in form of comprehending the situation and foreseeing the future and creating a strategy adaptive to the circumstances. The leadership tasks and programs allowed for clear expression of ideas, and potential contained inside and enabled personality development with regard to the leadership and individual Your experience as a leader. Example from class or elsewhere. My experience of leadership constitutes both in the class environment as well as the life outside it. ... The class leadership allowed me to know how to take along the group members, how to keep them together in a coherent manner and make the best use of their resources and abilities. The early life orientation towards a more societal sphere of life and activities enabled me understanding the concept of leadership since each individual has to be a leader in his own life. Various other daily routine activities and handling of small events and issues serve as example of leadership which speaks of the will, skill ability and determination towards becoming an effective leader and helping the overall project at hand. What changes did u initiate in yourself and what was the effect of your leadership on the outcome? Leadership is a continuously learning and improving process. My journey was no different and I had to make certain changes and adjustments with time. This included overcoming the short comings, reflecting on what I had done in recent pasts and then compared those activities with the desired outputs and through reflections made an effort to perform better in the nearly same endeavors in the future. Various activities in the class provided an opportunity to reflect on various areas. The meditation process was one of them, and the subsequent group discussion. Introducing the feedback concept and making it part of the overall leadership process made the task easier and effective. I re crafted my skills and the working mechanism with aim of further improvement and affectivity focusing on better results from the undertaken activity. How did u impact the team (positively or negatively)? My impact on the team was a positive one, since I incorporated the authentic leadership style and pattern and also made use of the adaptive techniques of management and

Analyzing Othello Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Analyzing Othello - Essay Example Lago was careful enough to burn the match on both ends. He had taken both Othello and Cassio into complete confidence. He knew Othello was aware of his real battle skills and earned Cassio’s sincerity by offering him handkerchief. Lago very carefully made Othello feel that Cassio had conducted adultery with Desdemona. In such circumstances, whatever Desdemona had to say in her defense would not matter. Lago’s strategy was too wisely constructed and carefully practiced for Othello to escape. Therefore, it is irrational to call Othello unjust in his display of haste and violence towards Desdemona. On the other hand, Othello also did not trust whatever Lago told him unless he had a solid proof for that. Othello had been very angry with Lago for having uttered humiliating and disdainful remarks about his wife when Lago accused Desdemona to have made love with Cassio. Othello’s rage can be estimated from the fact that he had warned Lago that he would kill him if he di d not provide Othello with a solid proof about Desdemona and Cassio’s relationship. When Lago remained successful in providing Othello with a solid proof of his assertion, Othello can not be blamed for not having suspected Lago instead of Cassio. Works cited: Shakespear, William. Othello, the moor of Venice: A tragedy. London: J. Tonson. 1743, Print.

Should overweight passengers be charged for two seats when flying Essay

Should overweight passengers be charged for two seats when flying - Essay Example This is already happening in the United States. The argument is raised since this is discrimination against passengers with obesity. To be charged by the kilo is quite embarrassing for somebody with twenty kilograms above the limit. If an individual is 20kg above the limit and is a regular flyer, they will actually suffer both emotionally and financially. Having to meet the fat tax expenses will be rather embarrassing (Sullivan 6). The majority of obesity and health organizations are supporting this suggestion claiming that it is only fair since the airline will need to carry extra weight. A number of airlines as an alternative make passengers who can not fit into one seat pay for two seats, for twice the cost of the journey (Appleton). Those who require extra seatbelt extension will have to buy a new an update or purchase an extra seat. America has for a long time taxed and charged to discourage some manners. Taxes in cigarettes are increasing, taxes in liquor are rising in various states, seatbelts are now mandatory by law and some particular areas are currently charging obese workers more for health insurance. For better or worse, the tendency to transform behavior through economics is upon us. As medical expenses rises the debate over charging for obesity is indeed only going to grow. Airlines are too increasingly subject to customer grievances and even losing court cases over travelers being injured by fellow obese passengers. Using two seats uses twice the fuel. This actually sounds nice even though this may not be true. The space which a passenger takes does not affect the amount of fuel used but the weight may affect (Appleton). It sounds good even if it is not actually true. The space you take does not impact on fuel, the weight does. The question arises as to whether a weight lifter weighing more and has more mass of muscles must also be charged more. This could be just a technique used by the airlines to get more money from the passengers. There are writings seen in one of the American airlines. It said something to the effect that if you can not fit into the seat, you will have to pay for a second seat and that if the seats are not fully occupied; you will only pay a child's fare on the second seat (Kate) There are some necessities regarding the seat being a window seat or something of that sort. The airlines prerequisite is that if an individual can not fit in the seat without hanging over the arm rest then he will be charged twice and it sounded like a fair rule. The airline companies should come up with a practical means of determining who is overweight and who is not. It is even better to argue that an individual is overweight due to medical reasons other than the notion that one is lazy and overweight. The airlines must not be forced to give an individual a free extra seat since he or she can not fit in one. The person has to pay for his or her seat, likewise to overweight individuals. That is prejudice and another effort by the airlines to make more money. The airline seats are actually too small period. Tall individuals, overweight individuals and skinny individuals are all not comfortable in a flight. The airlines in their effort once more to make more money squeezed in as many seats as possible at the expense of comfort of passengers. People complain that they don not want to sit next to an overweight passenger as a trick to get bumped