Plato's theroy of the forms

If you order your research paper from our custom writing service you will receive a perfectly written assignment on plato's theroy of the forms. What we need from you is to provide us with your detailed paper instructions for our experienced writers to follow all of your specific writing requirements. Specify your order details, state the exact number of pages required and our custom writing professionals will deliver the best quality plato's theroy of the forms paper right on time.

Out staff of freelance writers includes over 120 experts proficient in plato's theroy of the forms, therefore you can rest assured that your assignment will be handled by only top rated specialists. Order your plato's theroy of the forms paper at affordable prices!

Its is difficult to say or give a precise definition of what a person is. While the idea of

a person was around in the Greco- Roman times, it had none of the importance it

came to have later. During Roman times the word person meant a character one

played. However during the rd 7th centuries the Christian Church made the

Order Custom Essay on plato's theroy of the forms

distinction between person and nature become important; the Trinity came to

be understood as one nature and three persons, Christ as two natures and one

person. In modern times the entry of a secular philosophy into the western world has

led to replacing talk about the human soul to talk about the person. According to

David wiggins there are three perspectives on persons (1) the idea of the person

as the object of biological, anatomical, neurophyiological and other forms of scientific

investigation. () the idea of the person as the subject of consciousness. () The idea

of the person as the locus of moral attributes and the source of conceptual origin of

value.

Modern views of a person

Descrates identifies the person with the mind "I am a thinking thing".

Locke took a similar view to Descartes. Only since Descartes and lockes view

has the idea of identifying oneself with ones mind, understood narrowly as

consciousness and memory, become current. What we see here is of the self looking

out from the mind and looking at the world, like a spirt in the shell of the body.

The ancients and medievals saw the distinguishing point of the human person as

rationality. With Descartes and his successers, it turns to consciousness, and is more

dualistic, in that consciousness does not need to be embodied. However the most

important part in consciousness is that one comes up with ideas of different types

of objects. David hume disagreed with Descarte and Locke. Hume said " when I

enter most intimately into what I call myself , i always stumble on some perception

or other, of hot or cold, light or dark, love or hatred, pain or pleasure. I can never

catch myself without a perception, and never can observe anything but the perception

" . he put forward that human beings are nothing more than collection of perceptions

which succeed each other, and are in constant movement. They are the successive

perceptions only, the constitute the mind.

Thomas reid did not agreed with Humes view of the person. He argued that

Personal identity emplies the continued existence of an indivisible thing we call

Myself. This self is something which thinks, deliberates, resolves, acts and suffers.

We are not thoughts, actions, or feelings we are something, that thinks, acts and

Suffers. According to Reid our thoughts, actions and feelings change from moment to

moment, they have not got a continued, but a successive existence and the self or I to

which they belong is permanent, but has the same relation to all succeeding thoughts,

actions, and feelings which we call mine. Reids argument follows the traditional view

of Descarte and Liebniz that a person is a person is a simple substance or immortal

soul. It is for this reason that it cannot be analysed or broken down into smaller parts,

nor can personal identity.

Immanuel kant kept the consciousness notion of the person which Hume disagreed

with, but he also introduced another angle to the problem of person person as agent.

He explains the difference between agent and consciousness. Kant took leibnizs

Explanation between phenomena which, being observable, are the matter of science,

and noumena which are unobservable. Kant regarded the person under two aspects

we are animals and our fate is controlled by natural forces, and we our agents,

regarding ourselves as free and responsible for our actions and the boss of our lives.

Twentieth century Philosophers such as Sartre and Heideggar held that existence

precedes essence. What they meant by this comment was while we exist as human

beings, we exist as persons only by making choices, which included choosing our

own values, therefore that statements means that being a person is something acquired

Kant totally rejects that position put forward.

Charles taylor said "person is a being who has a sense of self, has a notion of

the future and past, can hold values, and make choices". Taylors view is related to

the notion of intentionality a person who can hold and have views on the world

himself in his mind, he can think about them, have emotions about them, make

decisions about them, and act them, knowing he is an I subject, doing this.

According to Charles taylor to be a person also you must have attitudes, desires,

A first-person perspective and life- projects.

After given the views of some philosophers the view I would take would be the

view of David hume, he offers one of the better definitions of what a person is. Kant,

Sartre and Heidegger views I would completely rejected. Kant argues that a person is

Active, creative, a moral agent and is unobservable therefore anyone who is not active

Creative or moral is not a person this I would completely rejected my view would be

That we are all people no matter how active, creative, or moral we are. Sartre and

Heidegger argued that we come to be persons by making individual choices however

It could be argued that you are born with inherited traits which forms your personality

Therefore you are a person when you are born and its is not something you become

by making choices.

Aristotle is regarded as the founder of the European scientific tradition . He emphasised the importance of direct observation of nature, and believed that all events should have causes , which brought him into conflict with his teacher Plato . Aristotle believed that nothing can exist in consciousness , that has not already been experienced by the senses , which conflicted with Plato's theory of ideas . Primarily a biologist he approaches his studies as a naturalist , i.e. what accounts for species and at the same time what accounts for individuation of species . What makes a human , human ? . He believed it was our form which made us what we are i.e. human , and our substance which gave us our identity i.e. a principal of individuality . Each substance has a built in pattern which grows in a particular way for a specific end or purpose , e.g. an acorn is an oak at a certain stage . Aristotle divides nature into two categories , living and non- living things . Only living things have the potential for change. This is according to Jostein Gaarder in the book "Sophies world" page

5.

He then divides living things into two categories , one comprises of plants and the other creatures . Lastly the creatures can be divided into animals and humans . All plants , animals , and humans have the ability to grow , propagate , and reach a certain potential . Only animals and humans have the ability to perceive the world around them , but only humans have the ability to reason and make choices about their nature . He grows and takes nourishment like a plant , he can feel and perceive like an animal , but he also has the unique characteristic of man , and that is to think rationally . "The animals other than man live by appearances and memories , and have but little of connected experience ; but the human race lives also by art and reasonings".

Aristotle regarded the human person as unified being , and a part of nature. He defined the soul as a "kind of functioning of a body organised so that it can support vital functions" For him the psyche, or soul , is the animating force in a body . It is the ' efficient cause' , the 'formal cause' and the 'final cause' of the body and it does not survive the death of the body. He maintains it has a nutritive or plant like part , which corresponds with bodily excellence; a sensory or animal part which corresponds with excellence of character ; and a rational , uniquely human part , which is excellence of intelligence. The rational part is the part with which the soul knows and thinks. In the case of the nutritive and sensory parts there are physical counterparts to , or manifestations of the souls activity , but in the case of the mind there is none . Aristotle says that the mind is not anything real without thoughts . We have to think of thoughts as imposing form on mind , as 'in- forming' it . He distinguishes between passive and active mind . The mind is passive in receiving or being informed by thought , but the mind can also be active and generative . In considering the soul as essentially associated with body he challenged the Pythagorean doctrine that the soul is a spiritual entity imprisoned in the body.

Therefore according to Aristotle man must also possess a spark of divine reason . His concept of God became important in the later development of a rational Christian philosophy and theology . In his physics Aristotle argued that everything is in motion and there cannot be a beginning or an end of motion , therefore there must be an eternal mover , who started all movement in the natural world . God is therefore the Unmoved Mover . He is eternal , non- material, unchanging , and perfect , He is actuality without potentiality , because potentiality involves change and change is less than perfect . He is also a person , but his thought is of thought itself and He is happy in His perfect knowledge of all things . Aristotle maintains that God does not moves things in a physical way but by virtue of being the 'final cause' of the universe , the ultimate good towards which all things move .

How do we arrive at all this knowledge ? Aristotle believed that the ultimate source of knowledge was sense perception . He held that the notions or concepts with we try to understand reality are derived from perception . If we did not perceive anything we would not learn or understand anything . He says that sense experience of things repeated many times , eventually allows a universal to form in the mind , and that the universal as such is recognised by the intellect . He maintained that from these experiences , comes the principle of skill and knowledge.

Aristotle now asks how should man live , and what does it take to live a good life. He thinks that man can only achieve happiness by using all his abilities and capabilities . It seemed to him though that freedom of choice made it impossible to get an absolutely accurate analysis of human affairs . Human nature certainly involves for everyone a capacity for forming habits , but the habits that a particular person forms , depends on how he was raised , his culture , and repeated personal choices . All human beings want happiness , which Aristotle called the 'Eudaimon' . The 'Eudaimon' is an active engaged realization of their innate capacities , but this goal can be achieved in many ways . He held that there are three forms of happiness . The first form is a life of happiness and pleasure , the second is as a free and responsible citizen , and the third form is the life of a thinker and philosopher . He believed that a man needed all three to have a life of complete happiness and fulfilment .

Aristotle regarded the human person as unified being , and a part of nature. He defined the soul as a "kind of functioning of a body organised so that it can support vital functions" For him the psyche, or soul , is the animating force in a body . It is the ' efficient cause' , the 'formal cause' and the 'final cause' of the body and it does not survive the death of the body. He maintains it has a nutritive or plant like part , which corresponds with bodily excellence; a sensory or animal part which corresponds with excellence of character ; and a rational , uniquely human part , which is excellence of intelligence. The rational part is the part with which the soul knows and thinks. In the case of the nutritive and sensory parts there are physical counterparts to , or manifestations of the souls activity , but in the case of the mind there is none . Aristotle says that the mind is not anything real without thoughts . We have to think of thoughts as imposing form on mind , as 'in- forming' it . He distinguishes between passive and active mind . The mind is passive in receiving or being informed by thought , but the mind can also be active and generative . In considering the soul as essentially associated with body he challenged the Pythagorean doctrine that the soul is a spiritual entity imprisoned in the body.

Therefore according to Aristotle man must also possess a spark of divine reason . His concept of God became important in the later development of a rational Christian philosophy and theology . In his physics Aristotle argued that everything is in motion and there cannot be a beginning or an end of motion , therefore there must be an eternal mover , who started all movement in the natural world . God is therefore the Unmoved Mover . He is eternal , non- material, unchanging , and perfect , He is actuality without potentiality , because potentiality involves change and change is less than perfect . He is also a person , but his thought is of thought itself and He is happy in His perfect knowledge of all things . Aristotle maintains that God does not moves things in a physical way but by virtue of being the 'final cause' of the universe , the ultimate good towards which all things move .

How do we arrive at all this knowledge ? Aristotle believed that the ultimate source of knowledge was sense perception . He held that the notions or concepts with we try to understand reality are derived from perception . If we did not perceive anything we would not learn or understand anything . He says that sense experience of things repeated many times , eventually allows a universal to form in the mind , and that the universal as such is recognised by the intellect . He maintained that from these experiences , comes the principle of skill and knowledge.

Aristotle now asks how should man live , and what does it take to live a good life. He thinks that man can only achieve happiness by using all his abilities and capabilities . It seemed to him though that freedom of choice made it impossible to get an absolutely accurate analysis of human affairs . Human nature certainly involves for everyone a capacity for forming habits , but the habits that a particular person forms , depends on how he was raised , his culture , and repeated personal choices . All human beings want happiness , which Aristotle called the 'Eudaimon' . The 'Eudaimon' is an active engaged realization of their innate capacities , but this goal can be achieved in many ways . He held that there are three forms of happiness . The first form is a life of happiness and pleasure , the second is as a free and responsible citizen , and the third form is the life of a thinker and philosopher . He believed that a man needed all three to have a life of complete happiness and fulfilment .

Aristotle distinguishes two kinds of virtue or human excellence ; moral and intellectual . Moral virtue is an expression of character formed by habits . A moral virtue is always the 'mean' between two less desirable extremes . Courage for example is the 'mean' between cowardice and rashness , and generosity is the 'mean' between extravagance and meaness. Intellectual virtues are not subject to this doctrine of the 'mean'. Full excellence he argued, can be realized , only by mature male adults of the upper class. He believed women were incomplete in some way an 'unfinished man'. He also believed that all a child's characteristics lay in the male sperm and the woman only provided the substance while the man provided the form . He maintained also that women , manual workers , and non - Greeks could never achieve full excellence .

I find Aristotles theories fascinating, especially as the problems he tried to deal

With are still being discussed today. However I find his theory on women

disappointing for a man of such intelligence. However one would have to consider

the time and the culture that Aristotle grew up in. having said that he formed his own

ideas and theories on many other issues, disappointing me futher he followed the

general consciences on women. He obviously didn't achieve full excellence as a

biologist if he could be so wrong about the relationship between men and women.

Please note that this sample paper on plato's theroy of the forms is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on plato's theroy of the forms, we are here to assist you. Your persuasive essay on plato's theroy of the forms will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

Order your authentic assignment from livepaperhelp.com and you will be amazed at how easy it is to complete a quality custom paper within the shortest time possible!

Smokers should just quit smoking!

If you order your custom term paper from our custom writing service you will receive a perfectly written assignment on Smokers should just quit smoking!. What we need from you is to provide us with your detailed paper instructions for our experienced writers to follow all of your specific writing requirements. Specify your order details, state the exact number of pages required and our custom writing professionals will deliver the best quality Smokers should just quit smoking! paper right on time.

Out staff of freelance writers includes over 120 experts proficient in Smokers should just quit smoking!, therefore you can rest assured that your assignment will be handled by only top rated specialists. Order your Smokers should just quit smoking! paper at affordable prices!

1Wall paint stripper, ant poison, toilet cleaner, lighter fluid, car exhaust gas, insecticide, NASA fuel, mothballs, insecticide/weed killer, PVC pipes added to 4000 other chemicals. Better known as Acetone, Arsenic, Ammonia, Butane, Carbon Monoxide, DDT, Methanol, Naphthalene, Nicotine and finally vinyl chloride. Also known as the components of the modern day cigarette

The constituents of a cigarette are far from appealing, yet 11.1 billion people have taken to smoking worldwide. The cigarette trade is a billion pound commerce, enticing 15.45% of high school students each year. Youths remain the prime consumers of the cigarette industry. As cigarettes become more commercial the effects are emphasised more, especially to students. Yet 1.5 million deaths, worldwide, each year, occur due to smoking. This figure is significantly high, considering the fact that over 70% of smokers are trying to quit. Sales in cigarette purchase are far from declining but accelerating each year. The question remains, 'What prevents individuals from discarding an unwanted habit such as smoking?'

Figure 1 how teens obtain cigarettes taken from http//www.lungusa.org/data/smoke/smk.pdf

Male 4.7% 14.% 5.4%

Female 4.% 1.% .%

Race/Ethnicity

White, non-Hispanic 8.6% 10.4% 18.8%

Male 8.% 18.8% 8.%

Female .1% 1.5% 8.6%

Black, non-Hispanic 1.7% 1.% 1.7%

Male 1.8% .5% 16.0%

Female 17.7% 0.% 11.6%

Figure 1percentage of high school student's smoking- ethnicity included

There are 4 chemicals in a cigarette known to cause cancer, one being nicotine, recognised as being the most frequently used addictive drug. Nicotine, one of more than 14,000 chemicals found in the smoke from tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, is the 4primary component in tobacco that acts on the brain. There have been substantial increases in the sales and consumption of smokeless tobacco products recently. It is this addiction instigated by nicotine that inhibits smokers from quitting. Cigarette smoking is the most prevalent form of nicotine addiction.

Most smokers use cigarettes because of their addiction to nicotine. For non-smokers the attitude taken to smokers is commonly cynical. The fact remains that the 6addiction to nicotine is usually overlooked and their efforts to eliminate this addiction are usually underestimated. Most smokers identify tobacco and nicotine as harmful and articulate an aspiration to reduce or stop using it. Nearly 5 million smokers make a serious attempt to quit smoking each year, less than 7% who try and quit on their own achieve more than a year of abstinence. Most relapse within a few days of their attempt.

In terms of judging smokers, it is important to consider the addictive properties of nicotine as well as its high level of availability. Other factors include the practically non-existent legal and social consequences of tobacco use, the sophisticated marketing and advertising methods used by tobacco companies. These factors, collectively with the addictive characteristics of nicotine, prompt first use and inevitably addiction. The judgemental public eye fails to finger point social and media influences, advertising and promotion, peer pressure and celebrity manipulation as the instigators for many smokers.

Figure 6domestic cigarette advertising and promotional expenditures in the US from the years 16-14 taken from http//a.rn11.com/yh/pu/yhgeointpu.htm

Furthermore, Research has recently concluded that nicotine acts on the brain producing various behavioural effects. The prime effect is the addictive side, though of equal importance is the property that nicotine regulates feelings of pleasure. Cigarette smoking produces a rapid distribution of nicotine to the brain, drug levels peak within 10 seconds of inhaling. The chemical involved in the desire to consume drugs is Dopamine of which nicotine increases the levels. The effects of nicotine dissipate in a few minutes, causing smokers to dose frequently and maintain the gratifying effects preventing withdrawal.

What the general public remain ignorant of is the concept that cigarettes are efficient in use. Through inhaling a smoker rapidly provides the brain with nicotine in every puff. A 'typical' smoker takes 10 puffs over a 5-minute period. Therefore an individual smoking 1 or packets a day (0 cigarettes) on a daily basis acquires 00 'hits' of nicotine to the brain every day. Hence increasing the addictive disposition of nicotine through the pleasurable effects. What the smoker remains ignorant of is the reality that on average, every cigarette that is smoked to satisfy this desire for pleasure shortens their life span by 11 minutes.

If this information is insufficient in acting as an insight as to why smokers continue to conform to an act that is self-destructive then advances in medical research provide extended evidence. Recent research identifies other chemicals as being psychoactive constituents of tobacco. Scientists have acknowledged a decrease in an enzyme named Monoamineoxidase (MAO), responsible for breaking down Dopamine. A chemical other than nicotine adding to the pleasurable incentive that smoking generates must cause this adverse effect.

7Nicotine remains as one of the most widely abused substances as identified by the 1 national household survey on Drug abuse. 1An estimated 57 million Americans were current smokers and a further 7.6 million used smokeless tobacco. Accumulating from this, in 18 each day in the United States more than 000 people below the age of 18 began daily smoking. According to the 8Centres for disease control and prevention,' in 11 cigarette smoking for high school students in the U.S increased from 7.5% to 6.4% in 17. Statistics such as these remain constant sources representative of the dangers of nicotine addiction.

Terminating nicotine consumption stems withdrawal symptoms, which quickly prompt the use of tobacco products. Symptoms include irritability, craving, cognitive and attention deficits, insomnia, and increased appetite. The most important symptom, yet the most overlooked is craving, an urge for nicotine described as 'the most major obstacle.' While the withdrawal syndrome is related to the pharmacological effects of nicotine, many behavioural factors also can affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms. For some people, the feel, smell, and sight of a cigarette and the habit of obtaining, handling, lighting, and smoking the cigarette are all associated with the pleasurable effects of smoking, and can make withdrawal or craving worse. While nicotine gum and patches may alleviate the pharmacological aspects of withdrawal, cravings often persist

1Chronic exposure to nicotine be it directly or indirectly (passive smoking) results is some sort of addiction. Nicotine addiction cannot be taken lightly and with figures such as 1.1 billion smokers at present, aid in combating this addiction is imperative. 10% of smokers trying to quit without help fail most within a week, hence aid and support needs to be advertised more within homes, school and society.

Smokers are considered by some, an inconvenience to society, polluting the air, the cause to passive smoking. To other non-smokers smoking is less of a problem, 'if they want to damage their health, that's their problem.' This kind of attitude, if taken by everyone would add to nicotine abuse spiralling out of control. Smokers especially youth smokers have to be made more aware of the severity of smoking. To the individuals that remain indifferent passive smoking needs to be highlighted in order for society to recognise and deal with those smokers who are in urgent need of help.

Figure 6comparative causes of annual deaths in the Unites states taken from http//a.rn11.com/yh/pu/yhgeointpu.htm

Nicotine addiction stems a variety of diseases, repeated exposure to nicotine results in the development of tolerance. This condition is one of which higher doses of the same drug are need to produce the same effect. Nicotine is metabolised rapidly, the body expels it from the body in a matter of hours. Therefore tolerance is lost over night, as time progresses acute tolerance develops, cigarettes become less effective and more are consumed.

Figure 4 deaths attributed to cigarette smoking

The medical consequences of nicotine exposure result from effects of both the nicotine itself and how it is taken. The most detrimental effect of nicotine addiction is the result of tobacco use, 1accounting for one third of all cancers. 1Amongst this is lung cancer, one of the leading killers of both men and women. Cigarette smoking has been linked to 0% of all lung cancer cases. 10The world health organisation, label smoking as the greatest cause of death and disability, known as the cause for 5 diseases. The world health organisation also makes clear that the effect of smoking and 'its impact on world health is not fully assessed.'

Lung problems caused by smoking are a primary health risk, 1killing more than 0,000 people in the UK alone each year. 1UK studies highlight that men who smoke increase their chance of dying from lung cancer by more than times. Female smokers also disadvantage themselves by increasing their risk of lung cancer by nearly 1 times. Lung cancer is difficult to treat and its survival rates are poor. Other forms of Lung cancer such as Emphysema (difficulty in breathing) have irreversible effects. A relationship between cigarette smoking and coronary heart disease was first reported in the 140s. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease including, stroke, heart attack vascular disease and Aneurysm. It is estimated that nearly one fifth of deaths from heart disease are attributed to smoking.

1Studies conducted in the Uk reveal smokers in their 0s and 40s are five times more likely to have a heart attack than non-smokers. 4Tobacco contributes to the hardening of the arteries through Atheromas 'fatty deposits' leading to 'Atherosclerosis. The tissue can then become Ischaemic 'without oxygen' or block off the blood supply in the coronary arteries supplying the heart, causing myocardial infarction 'heart attack' or blood vessels supplying the brain, causing strokes. 1Smokers that continue to smoke for a lifetime have a 50% chance that their death will be smoking-related (half of these deaths in middle age).

Smoking affects society as whole and not just smokers in general. 10,000 people worldwide burn or suffocate due to fires caused by cigarettes. 1Second hand smoking is an escalating dilemma estimated to cause ,000 lung cancer deaths per year for non-smokers and over 40,000 deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. Exposure to smoking in the home and increases the severity of asthma for children, as well as contributing to new forms of asthma.

If passive smoking and the complications that arise due to smoking is not enough of an incentive for the average individual to aid others in combating nicotine addiction future impacts should act as motivation. Nicotine addiction in women doesn't cease at pregnancy and those that continue to smoke if without help put themselves and their foetus at serious risk.

For pregnant women, carbon monoxide (a lethal gas) and high doses of nicotine attained when they inhale tobacco smoke interfere with oxygen supply to the foetus. Nicotine crosses the placenta, and the concentration in the foetus can be 15% higher than maternal levels. Carbon monoxide also inhibits the release of oxygen into foetal tissues. Woman who smokes during pregnancy are at a higher risk than non-smokers for premature delivery, and reduced birth weight of infant.

In the United States 10% of pregnant women smoke throughout their pregnancies. Smoking in pregnancy greatly increases the chance of a miscarriage, it can also promote sudden infant death syndrome, cot death and high rates of infant respiratory illness (bronchitis, colds, pneumonia). Smoking reduces the fertility of both women and men, with escalating figures in terms of smokers especially from an early rate this could soon affect birth rate.

Future problems include the social effects with a decline in birth rate; the amount of working individuals needed to support older generations would also decline. 10By 00 the Worldwide Health Organisation expects the worldwide death toll due to nicotine to reach 10 million, causing 17.7% of all deaths in developed countries. With an estimated 1.1 billion smokers in the world only 800,000 of them are in developing countries.

Diseases such as lung cancer and harm to infants through smoking can be reduced, through pharmacological treatment for nicotine. Individuals need to be motivated to quit, and no attempt to help someone quit is worthless. If a 1-year-old man quit smoking on average his life expectancy would increase by 5.1 years.

As well as behavioural and pharmological treatments there are nicotine replacement therapies. These include nasal inhalers, nicotine gum and transdermal patches and work to relieve withdrawal symptoms, producing less severe physiological alterations. These therapies are beneficial as they have little abuse potential since they do not produce such pleasurable effects. Combine therapies such as increased messages in the media to stop smoking and selling over the counter medication has increased successful quitting by 0% each year.

Behavioural treatments are also valuable such as formal smoking-cessation programmes, telephone and written formats and public awareness. These types of therapies take ethical issues and moral standards into consideration. Segregation within society and categorising people stem prejudices and discrimination. The question remains is it ethical or moral to segregate smokers from society? Isn't this just forcing them to deal with their addiction and problems on their own? Smokers have an addiction and strive to satisfy this, yet public places such as high street shops and public transport don't acknowledge this. From a smokers perspective they are pushed further and further from society through smokers rooms at work and separate seating arrangements in restaurants. In doing this society is dissolving all support for smokers trying to quit, however Smoking is damaging to the health of individuals. Disease can arise due to passive smoking therefore laws and ethics should work to protect the general public from health problems.

Bibliography

1http//www.doctorsecrets.com/your-medicine/smoking/the-chemicals-in-tobacco-smoke.html

www.google.com- (search)-nicotine-

www.nida.nih.gov/researchreports/ nicotine/nicotine.html

Bartecchi, C.E.; MacKenzie, T.D.; and Schrier, R.W. Human costs of tobacco use. New Engl J Med 007-80, 14.

Benowitz, N.L. Pharmacology of nicotine addiction and therapeutics. Ann Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 657-61, 16.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 4()755-758, 000.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Surveillance Summaries, June , 000. MMWR 4, SS-5, 000.

Giovino, G.A.; Henningfield, J.E.; Tomar, S.L.; Escobedo, L.G.; and Slade, J. Epidemiology of tobacco use and dependence. Epidemiol Rev 17(1)48-65, 15.

Henningfield, J.E. Nicotine medications for smoking cessation. New Engl J Med 116-10, 15.

Hughes, J.R. The future of smoking cessation therapy in the United States. Addiction 1177-180, 16.

Lynch, B.S., and Bonnie, R.J., eds. Growing Up Tobacco Free. Preventing Nicotine Addiction in Children and Youths. Committee on Preventing Nicotine Addiction in Children and Youths. Division of Biobehavioral Sciences and Mental Disorders, Institute of Medicine, 15.

Martin, W.R.; Van Loon, G.R.; Iwamoto, E.T.; and Davis, L., eds. Tobacco Smoking and Nicotine. New York Plenum Publishing, 187.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Monitoring the Future, National Results on Adolescent Drug Use, Overview of Key Findings 000. NIH Pub. No. 01-4, 001.

Pomerleau, O.F.; Collins, A.C.; Shiffman, S.; and Pomerleau, C.S. Why some people smoke and others do not new perspectives. J Consult Clin Psychol 617-71, 1.

Rice, D.P. Economic Costs of Substance Abuse, 15. Proceedings of the Association of American Physicians, 111()11-15, 1.

The Smoking Cessation Clinical Practice Guideline Panel and Staff. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research smoking cessation clinical practice guidelines. JAMA 75170-180, 16.

www.smoking.com

4Salters biology book- topic 1

5www.google.com-addiction/nicotine

6 http//a.rn11.com/yh/pu/yhgeointpu.htm

7 www.nationalhouseholdsurvey.com/drugabuse1.html

8www.controlfordiseaseandprevention.com/stats/smoking.html

www.msnsearch.com-statistics on smoking (graphs)- http//www.lungusa.org/data/smoke/smk.pdf

10www.worldhealthorganisation.com

www.nicotine-anonymous.org/

www.skyrecords.co.jp/nicotine

Nicotine Effects - Mind Over Matter Series-www.nida.nih.gov/MOM/NIC/MOMNIC1.html

Please note that this sample paper on Smokers should just quit smoking! is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on Smokers should just quit smoking!, we are here to assist you. Your custom college paper on Smokers should just quit smoking! will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

Order your authentic assignment and you will be amazed at how easy it is to complete a quality custom paper within the shortest time possible!

Appalachian man

If you order your research paper from our custom writing service you will receive a perfectly written assignment on appalachian man. What we need from you is to provide us with your detailed paper instructions for our experienced writers to follow all of your specific writing requirements. Specify your order details, state the exact number of pages required and our custom writing professionals will deliver the best quality appalachian man paper right on time.

Out staff of freelance writers includes over 120 experts proficient in appalachian man, therefore you can rest assured that your assignment will be handled by only top rated specialists. Order your appalachian man paper at affordable prices!

The Appalachian American

There is a culture and way of life very apart from mainstream America tucked away into the slopes and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains. This is a culture steeped in tradition and history since the revolutionary war, a culture which has retained its traditions despite repeated efforts from outsiders to either exploit it or to make it a more mainstream, in the foreigner's mind more civilized, culture. It is something of an anomaly how this region has been able to hold on to so much of its lifestyle in the face of such radical economic changes around it. Therefore it is a culture still based upon hunting and fishing, extended families, living by oneself and for oneself, and a general do-it-yourself attitude.

My personal interest in this culture goes very deep. I have long loved the mountains in addition to a personal affinity towards bluegrass music, so interest in Appalachian culture was only a matter of time for me. I have read much of Appalachian literature, having taken part in the Appalachian literature course at Georgetown University under Professor Patricia O'Connor. I have spent a couple of weekends camping in the Appalachians, once in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia and once at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Yet the brunt of my analytical research comes from a week I spent in Cherry Grove, West Virginia as part of a Habitat for Humanity service project. During that week I had the privilege to meet and work with many native Appalachians, to attend their masses, to eat meals with them, and in general to live amongst them.

Order custom research paper on appalachian man

In doing my research for this project, I was continually reminded of the essay "The Price of Progress" by John H. Bodley in the Applying Cultural Anthropology reader. In that he states, "tribal peoples have not chosen progress to enjoy its advantages, but … governments have pushed progress upon them to obtain tribal resources (Podolefsky )." The Appalachian people have never before been referred to as a tribe, yet if we define that term as an autonomous group of people who sustain themselves amongst themselves within a larger organization of people, then the Appalachians of yore could very well be referred to as such. That granted, Bodley's quote describes perfectly the intervention of big businesses upon Appalachia and its resources in the first half of the 1th century (Dunaway 65). Bodley also states that the imposed 'change and improvement' of governments for peoples or tribes who are not in need of that particular kind of 'change and improvement' more often than not results in "poverty, longer working hours, and much greater physical exertion (Podolefsky )." This sounds very reminiscent to me of the move of so many Appalachian men from their family farms to the coalmines and timber fields of the entrepreneurs at the enticement of far greater wages yet on the bosses' own working conditions. The big businesses continued to exploit and deplete the region's natural resources, including manpower, in effect "forcing tribal people into participating in the world-market economy; thus leading to further resource depletion (8)." Some Appalachians were able to effectively amalgamate themselves and benefit from these economic changes, yet for the majority the situation only deteriorated as "they discover that they are powerless, second-class citizens who are discriminated against and exploited by the dominant society ()." This is exemplified in the many depictions in popular American media of Appalachians as stupid, rusticated, backwards, incestuous, 'slack-jawed', or so many other epithets. Yet I will come back to all of this later. For now I will describe the general characteristics of the Appalachian people as I saw them.

As I mentioned above, despite repeated attempts by outsiders to 'civilize' this culture, Appalachians retain their traditions as adamantly today as during the 1700s. Houses are still spread considerably apart from each other, barring the Habitat-related (outsider-influenced) community at which I worked, located along dirt roads right on the hillsides or deep in the valleys and in many cases set very far away from any sort of convenience store or supermarket. Therefore subsistence living is still a much-employed practice. One of the most striking characteristics of this culture is that hunting and fishing are still such integral parts of the Appalachian lifestyle. In fact, it seemed to me that every grown man owned at least one set of camouflage and one shotgun. There were never less than five men at a time at any local fishing spot. Men walking around town during business hours dressed completely in camouflage is a very common sight, to the extent that it made me realize that many of these men must employ themselves merely on the task of bringing home food at the end of every day. On one occasion a local under whom I was working expressed the utmost incredulity at the fact that I did not own even one gun. He told me that one of the biggest days in a young boy's life was the day when his father would give him his first shotgun. The fact that I had not experienced that day appalled my friend.

One might notice that in all this talk of hunting and fishing, I did not once mention women. In fact I never once noticed a woman walking around in camouflage. Hence specific gender roles are still very much in place here. Women for a great part have their jobs yet still keep care of the house and small children, a situation which at one point following WWII was forced to change because of outside influences, but we'll come back to that later. Berry picking is still a very common practice, as is subsistence farming. All of this is indicative of the food eaten in a common household; namely, salted pork and other meats, fish, corn, beans, potatoes, berry pies, in general less processed foods. In fact, I do not remember seeing a single McDonald's, Wendy's, or Burger King in all of West Virginia, staples of the mainstream American's diet. This reminds me of the situation described by Maris Boyd Gillette in her book "Between Mecca and Beijing" between the diets of the Hui and Han populations in the Chinese city of Xi'an. These two populations live in such close proximity, yet have a vastly different diet due chiefly to the Hui's strict adherence to the traditions of its religion, Islam, and conversely due to the Han's desire to modernize in every respect, including diet. This in a way parallels mainstream America's striving for modernization and convenience in every aspect including diet, the best example of which is fast food, as opposed to Appalachia's striving to retain the self-sustaining lifestyle to which it has traditionally adhered.

This is not to say though that people of the Appalachian region are so tied to tradition that they do not partake of any of the amenities of modern-day American society. There are centers of commerce resplendent with a supermarket, gas stations, a couple convenience stores, and perhaps a regional fast food place, one in particular I remember was called Mean Gene's. Yet these centers of commerce are located in some instances a good half-hour to an hour from some of the smaller towns, separated by unlit windy roads which no one should have to drive at night. The supermarkets are there for one's use, yet they are never as crowded as they would be in cities or suburbs. There is simply less importance in this culture on material luxury goods and more importance on useful family heirlooms, such as guns, clothing, baskets and the like. There is a vastly different attitude towards nature in this region as well. Whereas in the city nature is built upon and used to the advantage of man, it is still for the most part intact in West Virginia. Nature is still used to the advantage of man here, but on a much more individual basis and with more attention placed on the integrity of nature itself. My work supervisor in West Virginia told me once that he, lacking a sufficient water heater and in keeping with the do-it-yourself attitude of subsistence living, built a water heater for his house that was fueled by burning wood. He said though that because it used up so much wood, he filled it up as sparingly as possible and never at night. In the same respect, in the process of our building of a nature trail through the woods, we needed to chop down some trees in order to build a bridge, but not a tree too much was cut down and what scraps remained he brought home for his furnace; in addition he encouraged us, untrained in such things, to learn for ourselves how to use a chainsaw to help him cut down these trees.

Another of this culture's characteristics which jumps out at the outsider is the closeness of extended family. Families in some cases live most of their lives just towns away from parents, cousins, uncles, aunts, etc. There does not seem to be as much upward social mobility in this culture as mainstream America, yet people seem content with that. In many cases Appalachian people know who they are and what they do, and that fulfills them exponentially. Kin generally seem to help out kin in this society, as opposed to the commonly held view of the prevalence of family rivalries, e.g. the Hatfields and the McCoys (Weller 5). This misconception may very well have been propagated by the effects of the civil war, which pitted brother against brother and did much to harm familial Appalachian traditions. Unfortunately the precedence of domestic abuse and alcoholism in this culture, as evidenced by so many counties in West Virginia being 'dry' (unable to sell liquor), sheds light on the darker side of this situation.

A last defining characteristic of this culture is its emphasis on storytelling, in song but even more in common speech. Every time a new Appalachian were to come across our group of twelve, his/her introduction would consist of at least one short story, sometimes even five or six. It was a way of breaking the ice and producing a greater level of comfortability between them and us, yet what was most impressive was the fact that stories were never asked for in return. The same held at a local mass, at which the pastor gave mass in a very informal, storytelling style. This is evident in the folk songs of the Appalachian region as well. Although I did not encounter local music to a great extent in my week in West Virginia, the importance of music to this people has been well documented (Haddix ). These folk songs consist of two types, either gospel or storytelling; and the storytelling ones always seem to be of a rather depressing character, having been derived from the English ballads of old and having been birthed in a land riddled with struggle (). One example is Barb'ra Ellen

Then slowly, slowly she got up, And slowly came she nigh him,

But all she said when she got there, "Young man, I think you're dyin'."

"I know I'm sick, and very sick, And death is on me dwellin';

And none the better will I ever be, 'Til I have Barb'ra Ellen."

"I know you're sick, and very sick, And death is on you dwellin';

No better will you ever be, You'll not have Barb'ra Ellen."

And she went wandering o'er the fields; She heard the death bell knellin'.

And ev'ry chime did seem to say, "For shame to Barb'ra Ellen." (Haddix 5-60)

Yet this emphasis on storytelling does not come as too much of a surprise considering the isolation of this culture from the habits of mainstream America until the late introduction of TV and radio which was only beginning to catch in the mid-160s (Weller 15).

One of the common misconceptions of the Appalachian people is that they have a strong animosity and distrust towards outsiders. This is a misconception well supported in Jack E. Weller's ethnography, "Yesterday's People Life in Contemporary Appalachia," published in 165. Yet in my experience, I encountered no such animosity from any with whom I came into contact. Granted some things may have changed since Weller's book and granted there is the possibility that I dealt primarily with people used to dealing with outsiders, yet even at a luncheon which I attended at the local church, I was in the company of mostly senior citizens whom I had never met before, and I still encountered nothing but good-will and benevolence. In this way I find Jack Weller's book to draw many similarities to Ruth Benedict's "Chrysanthemum and the Sword." They are both in my opinion valuable sources of many insightful views, yet they are both obviously written by people who are not a part of the society of their subject matter. Therefore they both imbue a level of the biases inherent in their own host cultures and serve even to promote these biases to an extent. It is my opinion that animosity towards outsiders within modern Appalachian society no longer exists to nearly the extent that the media, e.g. Deliverance, will make it out to.

This is not the only misconception propagated by mainstream American media though. So many other stereotypes of this culture exist lack of intelligence, backwardness, alcoholism, distrust, incestuousness. However all of those with whom I had contact spoke in their own sort of Appalachian drawl, yet exhibited no lack of intelligence whatsoever and just seemed extremely comfortable in their own skin. These kinds of stereotypes have been propagated for centuries, because mainstream America has striven to exploit or change this culture rather than to understand it; and at the same time Appalachians throughout their history have seemed comfortable enough with themselves not to need to be understood by others.

The first colonists to the Appalachian region were mostly Germans, Scotch, Irish, Huguenots, and Quakers. Most were seeking seclusion from some sort of oppression, religious in the case of the Huguenots and the Quakers, escape from indentured servitude in some other cases, or simply escape from the slaveholding class descended from British predecessors (Inscoe 1). From the start, people of this region wanted merely to be left to themselves and their own farms, so they chose a region enclosed by mountains and not very fertile. In no short time these colonists established a culture quite distinct from the budding urban centers of post-revolutionary America.

One of the first intrusions into this set of circumstances was the civil war, which demanded that many young men be pulled away from their farms to fight and die for their country. The civil war forced Appalachia into the politics of the country for many Appalachian homes were even in the middle of battlefields. This war also split the Appalachian region with respect to whether one was for or against this war against the South. The closeness of Appalachian families, something which was necessary in such rugged terrain, was threatened as one brother in some cases was forced to pick a side contrary to that which his other brother picked. In the end West Virginia even ended up seceding from its brotherland, Virginia, because of this war (Inscoe 1). It is my opinion that this could even be the origin of the misconception of Appalachians as participating widely in family feuds and the like.

The so-called "discovery" of Appalachia began with a gold rush into Georgia in the 180s and 180s (Inscoe 4). This was soon followed by speculators searching for resources of timber and coal, of which they found plenty (Dunaway 5). Then in came the big business entrepreneurs to buy up land rich in resources from Appalachian farmers who really did not even know how much their land was truly worth (Kahn 5). These big businesses not only exploited the land's natural resources but also the wealth of workers. They lured Appalachian men off of their farms and into company towns, and at the enticement of big wages and material goods for their families these Appalachians were caught hook, line, and sinker. They were put to work in coal mines, salt mines and furnaces, and timber jambs in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, but in many cases to receive this work they had to move their families from their farms and into company built towns, where the boss' word sticks (Kahn 6). Men had to work long arduous hours, risk life and limb, and subject themselves to the whims of the bosses. In these towns, the high wages proved not as fortuitous as they had seemed. Mines were not open for work every day, workers had to buy their own equipment as well as pay other inane fees to the company, not to mention that they were paid merely in scrip, which was only good in the company store itself, so it was up to the company to set prices however high they wanted for workers could not go anywhere else to buy goods anyway (Kahn 6-7). In general, quality of life deteriorated exponentially for the Appalachians at this time. No wonder distrust of outsiders has been a characteristic oft used to describe Appalachians.

The Appalachian workforce to the south was not overlooked either as textile factories and cotton mills moved into Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. Here the same practices of long, grueling work hours, pitiful working conditions, scrip, and endangerment of employees were also used (Kahn 6). Women were to work in these factories as well along with children when necessity demanded it from Appalachian families (6). All of this led to much effort on the part of the Appalachians to organize themselves into unions with the help of the United Mine Workers of America but in the face of big business' efforts to keep them on the low end of the totem pole. Many bloody battles were fought in this war.

Please note that this sample paper on appalachian man is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on appalachian man, we are here to assist you. Your persuasive essay on appalachian man will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

Order your authentic assignment from livepaperhelp.com and you will be amazed at how easy it is to complete a quality custom paper within the shortest time possible!

Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels

If you order your research paper from our custom writing service you will receive a perfectly written assignment on Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels. What we need from you is to provide us with your detailed paper instructions for our experienced writers to follow all of your specific writing requirements. Specify your order details, state the exact number of pages required and our custom writing professionals will deliver the best quality Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels paper right on time.

Out staff of freelance writers includes over 120 experts proficient in Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels, therefore you can rest assured that your assignment will be handled by only top rated specialists. Order your Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels paper at affordable prices!

Corruption of political systems in one of the primary themes in Gullivers Travels. This corruption is a result of selfishness as well as the inability to see things from any other perspective rather than one's own.

The first voyage of Gulliver takes him to the isle of Lilliput. There, he must play to a petty and ineffectual government. Swift uses several devices to highlight the Lilliputian stupidity. First, they are physically agile and graceful in comparison to Gulliver, who is portrayed as cumbersome and brutish

When I found myself on my Feet, I looked about me, and must confess I never beheld a more entertaining Prospect. The Country round appeared like a continued Garden, and the inclosed Fields, which were generally Forty Foot square, resembled so many Beds of flowers. These Fields were intermingled with Woods of half a Stang, and the tallest Trees, as I could judge, appeared to be seven Foot high. I viewed the Town on my left Hand, which looked like the painted Scene of a City in a Theatre.

This passage is quickly followed by one expressing Gullivers needs to disburdenth himself

Buy Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels term paper

I had been for some Hours extremely pressed by the Necessities of Nature; which was no Wonder, it being almost two Days since I had last disburthened myself. I was under great Difficulties between Urgency and Shame. The best Expedient I could think on, was to creep into my House, which I accordingly did; and shutting the Gate after me, I went as far as the Length of my Chain would suffer, and discharged my Body of that uneasy Load.

By setting up this contrast (it is interesting to point out that this is the only time that Swift makes any reference to Gullivers needs) the reader begins to expect the Lilliput to have a higher form of society. When, later in the book (that is the first book of four), the Lilliputians show their true selfish nature it is more of a surprise to the reader because of the great buildup.

The very fact that this book is put into an adventure format is to lull the reader into believing Gulliver... of course, because Gulliver is Gullible this takes the reader straight to insanity at the end. Swift challenges the reader to make their own decision by taking them from right to wrong and asking them to, at some point, begin disagreeing with Gulliver.

Another point that shows hypocrisy in a system of government is the legal system. In the passage, Gulliver shows how mans lack of insight leads to a conflict with political election

In chusing Persons for all Employments, they have more regard to good Morals than to great Abilities; for, since Government is necessary to Mankind, they believe-that the common Size of Human Understandings is fitted to some Station or other, and that Providence never intended to make the Management of publick Affairs a Mystery, to be comprehended only by a few Persons of sublime Genius, of which there seldom are three born in an Age but they suppose Truth, Justice, Temperance, and the like, to be in every Mans power; the Practice of which Virtues, assisted by Experience and a good Intention, would qualify any Man for the service of his Country, except where a Course of Study is required.

Here, using an argument later used by Andrew Jackson to defend the spoils system he shows an idea commonly forgotten by European politicians as the go after their own greedy schemes. Also, this attack on Europe politics serves to keep the reader on their toes, for Swift is now satirizing both Gulliver, the Lilliputians, and Europe.

Gulliver blames the dances for the fall of Lilliputian law, but what do they represent? It shows how when an incumbent practice day and night to stay that way (by whatever means), his job goes by the wayside. This stems from a lack of empathy with the people, and personal greed for themselves.

In relating these and the following Laws, I would only be understood to mean the original Institutions, and not the most scandalous Corruptions into which these People are fallen by the degenerate Nature of Man. For as to that infamous Practice of acquiring great Employments by dancing on the Ropes, or Badges of Favour and Distinction by leaping over Sticks and creeping under them, the Reader is to observe, that they were first introduced by the Grand-father of the Emperor now reigning, and grew to the present height by the gradual increase of Party and Faction.

It also shows how one kings pride/ boredom/ absolute power eventually makes him care more about personal entertainment then the kingdom. Remember, in Swifts day these people would not be seen as a different culture (no one was) but would have been held to the same morals and political ideas, so it would not have been hard for Swift to bring them this way and that with a sentence or two.

Making Gulliver seem as normal as possible was very important; the reader should have no problem believing this if the book is to be successful in it goal because Gulliver is supposed to be the readers ride to insanity (the point is the abnormal things happen to the normal man). Swift does this in several ways, he makes Gulliver recount all the details of his trip, from the number and variety of food eaten to the housing. Also, Swift never lets us forget that he is just a normal man, even when doing extra-ordinary things

While I was thus employed, the Enemy discharged several thousand Arrows, many of which stuck in my Hands and Face; and besides the excessive smart, gave me much disturbance in my Work. My greatest Apprehension was for mine Eyes, which I should have infallibly lost, if I had not suddenly thought of an Expedient. I kept among other little Necessarys a pair of Spectacles in a private Pocket, which, as I observed before, had escaped the Emperors Searchers.

He is also careful to maintain strict observance to the relative size of the various objects and to make sure that they match accordingly.

The careful reader will also note the places where Imperial wording makes things seem better

The Author by an extraordinary Stratagem prevents an Invasion. A high Title of Honour is conferred upon him. Ambassadors arrive from the Emperor of Blefuscu, and sue for Peace. The Empresss Apartment on fire by an Accident; he Author instrumental I saving the rest of the Palace.

Notice the word "invasion". We can only assume that these summaries are by Gulliver himself, and that they reflect his views on the following sections. Taking this into account we can see the way he, and the king of Lilliput all use the word invasion hastily. There was no particular reason for destroying the enemy ship (other than the mountaineers because they were there). Searching through the text one can find no particular reference to an actual invasion anytime soon. They only had Gulliver destroy the fleet because they did not understand their views.

This, the two island separated by trivialities, perhaps mirrors the plight of England and France (two equal countries separated by water, speaking two languages that differ as much as any of Europe) and their inability to understand the others point of view. Swift tells us that the too islands are warring over which end of an egg should be broken first. Because each side is so closed-minded (and stuck in their point of view) they war. Drawing a more recent example; Cold-war U.S. and U.S.S.R relations (remember Ronald Reagan evil empire?). These are all examples of government leaders who are unwilling to see things from the others point of view and so are stuck in a never-ending competition.

The most obvious example that Swift brings us of uncompromising views creating conflict is found in the parts concerning the great egg schism

Whereupon the Emperor his Father published an Edict, commanding all his Subjects, upon great Penaltys, to break the smaller End of their Eggs. The People so highly resented this Law, that our Historys tell us there have been six Rebellions raised on that account; wherein one Emperor lost his Life, and another his Crown...

...Many hundred large Volumes have been published upon this Controversy But the books of the Big- Endians have been long forbidden, and the whole Party rendered incapable by Law of holding Employments...

...This, however, is thought to be a mere Strain upon the Text For the Words are these That all true Believers shall break their Eggs at the convenient End and which is the convenient End, seems, in my humble Opinion, to be left to every Mans Conscience...

Gulliver is confronted by a society in which minor differences call for immediate war. By showing us the great religious difference are no more than an eggs width, Swift is trying to show how narrow-minded people can be.

Although they seem hospitable at first, Swift makes clear that they are acting only out of selfishness. When they find him on the beach they treat him as well as they can, but this is only to have him serve in their needs. In this section, they talk about compromising his health for their convince

Sometimes they determined to starve me, or at least to shoot me in the Face and Hands with poisoned Arrows, which would soon dispatch me But again they considered, that the Stench of so large a Carcass might produce a Plague in the Metropolis, and probably spread through the whole Kingdom.

Again, by setting the reader up with great expectations of the Lilliput, does Swift expose the thus said fall from grace.

Flimnap And Bolgolam are two examples where Swift shows closed views cause a duos downfall. They view Gulliver with deep mistrust, and the more he does for the kingdom, the more they hate him. They finally cause him to leave and in securing their positions cause the greatest instrument of good for their people to leave. Swift is drawing a parallel between these two, and certain members of the whig party.

In his pride, and closed-mindedness the king of Lilliput wishes to make everyone his subject

His Majesty desired I would take some other Opportunity of bringing all the rest of his Enemys Ships into his Ports. And so unmeasurable is the Ambition of Princes, that he seemed to think of nothing less than reducing the whole Empire of Blefuscu into a Province, and governing it by a Vice-Roy; of destroying the Big-Endian Exiles, and compelling that People to break the smaller end of their Eggs, by which he would remain the sole Monarch of the whole World.

This is the ultimate act of pride/closed-mindedness because the king wishes to make everyone subject to his will. This is where Swift ends the ride with Gulliver. Gulliver, our guide, follows the Lilliputians till this point. This is the last point where the reader can say well... maybe theres a good reason for this. As Swift throws the reader into the pot and slowly brings up the heat, this is the point where Gulliver brings out the stragglers that might have stayed otherwise. The rest of the Book shows the Lilliputians to act cruelly and pridefully and in no kind light either.

Because Gulliver is the main satirical element in the second Book, there isnt much to add to the point but for the encounter between Gulliver and the king.

In this book, Swift uses the exact same methods as before, but in reverse making Gulliver the small one, and magnifying the physical imperfections of the Brobignagians, Swift is able to not only set up a contrast between the two, but capitalize on the trust the readers gave Gulliver in the first Book by making him go off the deep end.

As Gulliver views on government are revealed, he seems more and more closed off from others point of view. In an effort to gain favor with the King, he tells him about the wonder of gunpowder after which the king reacts in, what seem to the reader, a noble and intelligent way

The King was struck with horror at the description I had given of those terrible engines, and the proposal I had made. He was amazed how so impotent and groveling an insect as I (these were his expressions) could entertain such inhuman ideas, and in so familiar a manner as to appear wholly unmoved at all the scenes of blood and desolation, which I had painted as the common effects of those destructive machines, whereof he said some evil genius, enemy to mankind, must have been the first contriver.

Here, Swift is not only satirizing the wisdom of weapons of war, but of the deep feelings Gulliver has for his country.

As Gulliver attempts to keep his European pride, he begins to look more and more a fool. At the beginning, Gulliver is rightly proud of his home government, why shouldnt he be? as this, the second book, progresses his unwavering pride, and refusal to see things from other points of view become his downfall. He is confronted by a the distillation of a good monarch. When the good king disagrees with him, Gulliver simply chalks it up to closed-mindedness. What he doesnt realize is that it is his own closed-mindedness that prevents him from recognizing the good king opinions

But great allowances should be given to a King who lives wholly secluded from the rest of the world, and must therefore be altogether unacquainted with the manners and customs that most prevail in other nations; the want of which knowledge will ever produce many prejudices, and a certain narrowness of thinking, from which we and the politer countries of Europe are wholly exempted. And it would be hard indeed, if so remote a princes notions of virtue and vice were to be offered as a standard for all mankind.

coupled with

A strange effect of narrow principles and short views that a prince possessed of every quality which procures veneration, love, and esteem; of strong parts, great wisdom, and profound learning, endued with admirable talents for government, and almost adored by his subjects, should from a nice unnecessary scruple, whereof in Europe we can have no conception, let slip an opportunity to put into his hands, that would have made him absolute master of the lives, the liberties, and the fortunes of his people.

In the third book Gulliver is confronted with a society that values abstract ideas above common sense. They need people whos special job it is to keep them on task make sure they are alert in times of need. "His Majesty took not the least notice of us, although our entrance was not without sufficient noise, by the concourse of all persons belonging to the court."

Here, the king is inattentive to matters of state, the government suites the people fine though, because they are equally inattentive, perhaps mirroring the European public.

In the fourth book there are also problems. The race of Houyhnhnms, which are an intelligent species of horse have a peculiar form of government a pure democracy. In presenting the Houyhnhnms as Gullivers role-models Swift invites the reader to fall into the trap of thinking that the Houyhnhnms are the perfect form of being. In this respect one would think that they would have the most open minds, yet that is the sticking block. By providing this one friction point between the reader and the Houyhnhnms, Swift opens the door of Houyhnhnm criticism. Once through this small door of disagreement one can see what pathetically empty lives they lead.

One example of their close-minded government is their treatment of the different breeds. There is no way for a horse of a particular color to advance through the ranks. There is no way for any advancement whatsoever. The head horses will always be just that, and the minor horses, no matter how cunning or wise they may become, because their society has already made up their minds, will always be minor.

The inability to see things from different angels also tainted the Houyhnhnms governmental response

After a short silence he told me he did not know how I would take what he was going to say; that in the last general assembly, when the affair of the Yahoos was entered upon, the representatives had taken offense at his keeping a Yahoo (meaning myself) in his family more like a Houyhnhnm than a brute animal. That he was known frequently to converse with me, as if he could receive some advantage or pleasure in my company; that such a practice was not agreeable to reason or nature, nor a thing ever heard of before among them.

The Houyhnhnms are unwilling to accept something that is different. The general assembly doesnt even confer with the yahoo (for we must always label some thing we do not understand), nor do they offer a chance at redemption. The assembly is a warning against mob rule, but also serves to show how even when Gullivers master is confronted with something he disagrees with, he must still comply even though it effects only him.

Throughout the book, Swift brings us from reasonable to unreasonable and lets us decide where to get off. The whole book can be seen to go from silly and sophomoric in the first book to critical and realistic towards the end. By building up a readers trust and letting them down, Swift accomplishes his goal of satirizing human hypocrisy in government.

Please note that this sample paper on Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels, we are here to assist you. Your persuasive essay on Hypocrisy in Government Exposed in Gulliver's Travels will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

Order your authentic assignment from livepaperhelp.com and you will be amazed at how easy it is to complete a quality custom paper within the shortest time possible!

Safeway

If you order your custom term paper from our custom writing service you will receive a perfectly written assignment on safeway. What we need from you is to provide us with your detailed paper instructions for our experienced writers to follow all of your specific writing requirements. Specify your order details, state the exact number of pages required and our custom writing professionals will deliver the best quality safeway paper right on time.

Out staff of freelance writers includes over 120 experts proficient in safeway, therefore you can rest assured that your assignment will be handled by only top rated specialists. Order your safeway paper at affordable prices with !

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Safeway was competing in imperfect competition. Because of the structure of monopolistic competition Safeway had to look for new and improving ways to be able to compete with new chains.

Another challenge for the firm was its old and outdated stores that needed major renovations. Because of negative financial situation Safeway was not in a position to be able to remodel all of its stores. My recommendation would be to start with most profitable stores in urban areas where the competition is the highest and then to move to less profitable stores.

Safeway was highly unionized and it didn't have enough room to squeeze out enough cost savings to offset the higher cost/wage structure. To compete with nonunion shops, it had to either trim labor cost or jobs. In my opinion, Safeway's management was not persuasive enough when it came to negotiations with unions, and because of that had to close many more stores than were planning.

In the pre-LBO stage management was able to realize that changes are needed to be part of the best in the industry; however, in my opinion, the strategy that was used was not completely appropriate. Instead, of selling some stores right away, I would recommend first to take a closer look at the reasons why the stores were not performing to the standards; then I would have the real estate to be appraised before making sale.

In my opinion Safeway's management did a good job looking into different options before selecting LBO as its final decision.

When it comes to selling assets I disagree with the management and it sales of the U.K. division. My criteria for selling assets would include wage premium, higher cost structure, age of stores, difference between market and book value of assets.

BODY OF ANALYSIS

Economic Structure

From the economic structure Safeway Inc, competed in imperfect competition. Monopolistic competition combines the features of a competitive market structure (many small buyers and sellers, similar cost, no significant entry/exit cost, no information costs) with product differentiation. In this model all firms compete equally for all consumers.

Safeway was an example of monopolistic competition; it was one of many existing with many new potential entrant stores. It had very similar or sometimes even identical cost of products as its competitors.

In 180s it was not easy to be a part of monopolistic competition. With low entry barriers competition was increasing rapidly. To keep its customers Safeway had to look for new ways to improve consumer service. In 180, Safeway's strategy revolved around superior quality, superior selection, superior service, and competitive prices. The four pillars strategy was good before 180 but was not enough in 180's, with increasing numbers of new chains and new stores coming to the market Safeway had to reevaluate its current situation. In my opinion, Safeway's management was not aggressive enough and was too afraid to make radical changes. With its long tradition Safeway already had high number of customers but too keep them coming back Safeway's management job was to look for new product and service innovation. Of course, there are always some consumers that shop at this same store for years and are afraid of trying new products; however, it is people's nature to be able to expand and to see "the world", for them it is very easy to change their shopping habits especially if they could find better selection of products and better price somewhere else.

Market trends that were affecting Safeway in 180 were de-unionization, store modernization and increased competition from regional chains.

Many of Safeway's stores were old and outdated. Incorporation was not able to upgrade all of its 600 stores and management's role was to decide which stores should have been updated with new equipment and technology. Because of changes in the work force location of stores was also very important. Before 180 many more women were stay home mothers who had time to drive to their favorite grocery store. With many more women going to work in corporate world in 180's their priorities and habits had change. Many people were shopping on their way home. It was important for Safeway to be able to focus on stores location and starts any innovations with stores with the highest number of customers. In my opinion, first they should have upgraded most profitable stores in high urban areas where the competition was the highest, then focus on stores that are profitable and have a good future. I would not have touch stores in the country with small number of customers until the last to make sure that the firm is not wasting its money on something that was not needed. Instead of remodeling it could have been much more profitable to sell the real estate.

Another market trend that affected Safeway at that time was increasing number of new stores that were non-unionized which help them reduce labor cost and higher additional employees to increase customer's service. Safeway by being highly unionize was in a great disadvantage. The only solution to this problem was to negotiate with unions on wage issues and productivity increase.

When it comes to competition from regional chains Safeway was also loosing at that time. The Robinson-Patman Act prohibited national chains from discounts that were available to regional chains. The Act was passed back in 16 when the situation in market place was much different than situation in 180s. Solution here would have been to try for legislatives body to revise the Robinson-Patman Act. Safeway could have also tried to take products from vendors on consignment- in other words, not pay for goods until they have been sold to consumers. This strategy would have free up some short term cash.

Financial performance measures

As a key performance measure in the preinitial restructuring period Safeway management used growth in sales, profitability, and number of stores. In my opinion, measures used by management were appropriate. It allowed them to realize which stores and divisions were profitable and should have been kept open.

By comparing its operations to operations of other national grocery chains it helped Safeway to find out that the average of net income as percentage of sale was way below national average for Safeway. This showed the management that changes were needed and Safeway will not be able to exist in this situation for much longer. I think that it was great that Safeway was looking at 10 best chains in the USA by doing that the management was able to come up with few ideas to improve their situation. What I would have recommended for them at that time was to take a closer look at the best two chains in the market and see what they were doing to make them the best. Was it new products, location of their stores, management, etc.? In my opinion, it would very helpful to have a strategy in place that would have reflected Safeway goals. Was it to be the best of the best or was it to be one of 10 best chains in the US?

Pre- LBO

Safeway pre-LBO mission was to increase income as a percentage of sales and be able to pay dividends to its shareholders.

Safeway's strategy was to close some of its poorest performing stores and consolidating U.S divisions which helped managing geographical dispersion. When it comes to pricing strategy Safeway goal was to keep prices within 5% of its major competitors and also used selective discounts. By opening its own bakeries, new delis and pharmacies management was able to increase income and safe on cost. New updated scanning system attracted customers and helped earning growth.

The pre-LBO strategy was effective for Safeway, net income increased from .7% in 180 to 1.17% in 185 with dividends increased five years in a row. Safeway was able to achieve its goal; however, in my opinion the goal was set too low. There were stores in 180 with net income as a percentage of sales with as high as 1. and 1..

In general, firm's initial response to poor performance was appropriate. With over 4 store in 180 it was hard for Safeway to manage and upgrade all if its stores. By looking at performance the firm was able to determinate stores with low profitability and sells the ones that were loosing money.

The overall plan was good; however, they should have paid more attention to operating and administrative expensed. Wages and benefits were made over 60% of the expenses.

In my opinion, speed of the changes could have been better. Of course, it takes time to come up with good strategy and implement changes; however, once Safeway, was done with the pre-LBO strategy its financial situation was well know in the business world which made Safeway loosing profit on some of sells from its real estate because buyers already knew that the firm would need to sell it anyway.

When it comes to performance of different divisions, the one that were underperforming were closed. I'm not sure if the management spent enough time trying to find out why they were not performing. What I would recommend instead of selling them right away is to take a closer look at the regions potential. If there were any potential that the price of real estate could go up because of building new neighborhoods or potential new corporations coming into region I would try to lease those stores instead of selling them. It is hard to believe it that management did not schedule any appraisals before selling many of its stores. By not doing that many of them were sold below their market price.

Cost/wage structure

The current cost/wage structure was not economically sustainable in view of the market structure and new market trends even with substantial productivity increase. For unionize Safeway it was very hard to compete with non-unionized chains with lower labor cost. For Safeway labor cost was approximately two-thirds of a store's non-merchandise operating expense. Between 180 and 185 Safeway average hourly cost increased from 1.% to more than % in 185. With the cost increasing in this speed Safeway would not have been able to compete with other chains.

With Safeway competing in monopolistic competition there was not enough room to squeeze out enough cost savings to offset the higher cost/wage structure. To compete with nonunion shops, the choice was between trimming labor cost or jobs. And cutting jobs would mean long waits at the checkout. With plenty of alternatives for cost- and time-conscious shoppers, that was the last thing Safeway needed. The only option was to negotiate with unions. Some of the ideas that could save Safeway money would have been to stretch out periods between raises, lower percentage of wage increase, and offer lower hourly rate for new hire. For higher paid clerks offer other benefits as store gift certificates instead of hourly increases. Also cross training for employees could have benefit the firm by saving money; however, unions were not concerned with financial situation. Unions leaders were looking at increasing profits and dividends being paid but was did not understand the firm economic and financial problems. In December of 186, the meat cutlers union in Huston TX agreed to $1.50 pay cut to Kroger but refused to Safeway. In my opinion, Safeway's management was not persuasive enough when it comes to negotiations with unions. It should have follow Kroger's steps and just as Kroger did Safeway's management should have also threatened to close stores unless unions agreed to concession. By extending in to longer hours and lower pay. Those wage roll backs would have add up to an annual savings on million of dollars that's why if management interest was too keep profits up they should have been more aggressive. Sometimes even if you status quo incorporation it is hard to survive without making changes.

Alternative tactic strategies

Safeway management was looking at different strategy to reorganize the firm. The first that was considered was "white Knight." They were willing to be bough put in positive friendly way; however, all of potential buyers were interested only in picies of the corporation and its land. Safeway s management was willing to close some of the stores but in general it wanted to keep the business together that's why "white knight "was not an option for Safeway.

Second option that was considered was to pay "greenmail" to Haft family. By buying back Haft's family shares it would have only prevented Haft family of buying more hares but it could not have stopped takeovers attempts by other investors. In addition, Standstill agreement was very costly.

Third option was to do a recapitalization by borrowing money and/or selling assets to finance larger dividends to shareholder. It was a good option for some companies but not for Safeway. On one hand process of a recapitalization make the company unattractive to hostile takeover because the hostile company would need to pay of debt first, and of course Safeway's management wanted to prevent hostile takeover. However, this is very risky process and that's why not too many companies choose to do so.

Fourth options, was possible spin-off between West Cost and east cost; however, this was not an option because management wanted the company to be national chain.

LBO

The final option for Safeway was the leveraged buyout and was option that the management decided to go with. The expectation of the LBO was to increase firm value under private ownership. By changing ownership structure Safeway was able to save on administrative cost. LBO also allowed the firm to increase managerial incentives and flexibility as well as shareholders participation. Negative side of the LBO was that it was financed mostly through debt which needed to be paid off and this required management to start selling assets.

Safeway's management was faced with many obstacles in asset sales. Market knew that Safeway has to sell assets to meet debt service so they have an incentive to bid low and delay the process. It was in the buyer's interest to delay the process as much as possible to get the best price for them even if the assets were attractive. When it comes to Safeway they had to move as quickly as possible or it will face financial distress. In my opinion, Safeway's management even with knowledge of it financial situation was not moving fast enough. They were concern about their employees and wanted to make sure that they find good buyers who would provide jobs for its employees. I was good to know that management cares about future of stores that were going to be sold but on another hand there was no time especially with unions not being willing to cooperate.

Sales of U.K. operations

Safeway after LBO sold 1 its stores in U.K to the Bormans at a lower overall price than selling the division piecemeal. This division not only was sold undervalue but it was the most profitable of Safeway's divisions. I completely disagree with sale of U.K division. In my opinion, Safeway management was too much pro quo and too concern about its people. There intentions were too show U.S. employees that they would do everything in their power to keep stores open in U.S. If I was a part of that management team I would not have sold the U.K division. It was not only very profitable but international unions were willing to work towards wage reduction where American unions did not care. By looking at different companies in 180 there is a beginning of globalization trend with corporations moving off shore to save on labor cost, and at this same time Safeway was closing its profitable operations oversees only to "fight" with labor unions in U.S.

The Dallas division

Sale of the Dallas division was probably much better for the community than keeping old Safeway stores open. With Safeway position not being able to remodeled all of its stores, sale of this division would allowed potential buyer to not only remodeled them but also but not being unionize lower prices which would have positive impact on entire community. Safeway knew that it would not be able to offer lower prices because unions were not willing to cooperate even at the time when stores were already on sale.

Sales of assets

My criteria for selling assets would include wage premium, higher cost structure, age of stores and their locations. By looking at table 7 I could tell much about location of the divisions; however, location is very important if most of the stores were located in the country with low profits I would probably sell those stores first especially if then needed remodeling and I did not see future for any business in the area.

By looking at wage premium with $4 Division Alpha and Psi would next with their operating profit around 6millions annually and negative trend in rank of market share. The I would sold PHI with $.00 wage premium, only 1 million in annual operating profit, apprised assets value 10 million below book value, and negative trend in rank of market share. After that, I would sell Beta with negative annual operating income and appraised asset value lower than book value of assets.

SUMMARY

For any financial restructuring to be successful is important that managers understand the fundamental business and strategies problems as well as opportunities that their company faces. Safeway's management was able to realize that there is a need for restructuring and was able to implement some solutions.

In my opinion, Safeway's top management was lacking from a good financial and operation analyst, person who would be not afraid of changes. By looking at some of their decision that were made I would say that Safeway's top executives included more "food" people than "money" people. Some of the stores and real estate was sold without appraisal which made the company to loose its money. The firm was undervalued because its assets were not representing true market value. Then, they sold most profitable chain way under value only to show American unions that they would keep the U.S stores open which did not make too much sense, especially that union in the U.S. was not willing to cooperate.

When it comes to wage negotiations, Safeway's management was not persuasive enough, which cost them profits. By looking at unions attitude at that time Safeway needed someone more aggressive to convey negotiations. Employee's morale was also down. In my opinion, to boost employee morale it would be helpful to set up "roundtable" meetings to solicit suggestions and ideas which wasn't done,

Safeway management did not look into moving some of its costs onto vendors. Example could include paying for shelf space or asking vendors to put its own tags on fruits to free produce clerks for other tasks.

When it comes to restructuring alternatives Safeway management did a good job by looking into different options before making its final decisions. Most of the alternatives did not fit Safeway's management style.

By choosing LBO management was expecting to increase firm value under private ownership with increasing financial leverage and decreasing administrative cost savings. When it comes to selling assets I would focus on wage premium with labor cost being 60% of a store's nonmerchandise operating expense; then look into age of store and cost structure to upgrade them; after, that on annual operating profits, appraised and book value of assets. After LBO being done, Safeway's management did not have too much to say when it came to the sale price of its assets. Potential buyers knew that Safeway had to sell its assets to be able to pay off its debt that's why many of the buyers were not willing to pay asking price.

Please note that this sample paper on safeway is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on safeway, we are here to assist you. Your custom college paper on safeway will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

Order your authentic assignment from and you will be amazed at how easy it is to complete a quality custom paper within the shortest time possible!

The psychology of risky activities in males

If you order your research paper from our custom writing service you will receive a perfectly written assignment on the psychology of risky activities in males. What we need from you is to provide us with your detailed paper instructions for our experienced writers to follow all of your specific writing requirements. Specify your order details, state the exact number of pages required and our custom writing professionals will deliver the best quality the psychology of risky activities in males paper right on time.

Out staff of freelance writers includes over 120 experts proficient in the psychology of risky activities in males, therefore you can rest assured that your assignment will be handled by only top rated specialists. Order your the psychology of risky activities in males paper at affordable prices!

This essay will examine the various activities that are deemed to be risky and will offer an explanation as to why particularly males undertake such activities. Research suggests that social and cultural factors can be use to explain why males indulge in activities that could lead to serious injuries or death, but other factors such as biological and psychological factors are discussed. The aim of this essay is establish whether health promotion material can have an affect on the increasing number of health complaints as a result of risky behaviour and explores the idea of whether popular media can be used as a medium for such promotion due to a tendency for males not to attend doctors surgerys as regularly as females.

INTRODUCTION

There is a range of different models and definitions of health. These differing models have influenced the way that mens health has been viewed. Llyod (16) identified three main definitions, relating to biological health, risk and risk-taking and finally masculinity (the process of learning to be a man). A report by the Chief Medical Officer concluded that the primary difference between mens health and womens health was variations in exposure to risk factors. It would appear that where individual men take risks, the health promotion material is tasked to encourage them to stop. As Courtenay (18) has argued, young men in particular are encouraged to engage in risky behaviours that put them at high risk of injury and death. Recent research (Ozanne-Smith 000, Nowak etal 000) concludes that there is an excess of men involved with accidental injuries from their activities, but I suggest that the literature has to be treated with caution, as undeniably the proportion of males to females indulging in such activities is much higher and thus the data will have a tendency to be skewed towards a male population. Therefore the question of why males indulge in such risky behaviour has to be asked.

WHAT IS IT TO BE MALE?

Order Custom Essay on the psychology of risky activities in males

The concept of hegemonic masculinity originates within work in the sociology of gender. Work by Connell (18) refers to the traditionally dominant model of masculinity as hegemonic masculinity, which society perceives as true maleness. This social construction defines a real man as essentially a tough, unemotional, competitive and aggressive character (Lee 00). According to this model, men must compete to demonstrate their superiority to other men. There is evidence to suggest that aspects of hegemonic masculinity do affect male attitudes and behaviours, pressuring them to choose to act in ways which are harmful to their health and which may lead to a reduced life expectancy. Sociocultural pressures encourage men to engage in stereotypically masculine behaviour in order to differentiate themselves as much as possible; therefore men have a tendency to disregard knowledge about healthy lifestyles and to choose harmful behaviours. Masculinity can be seen as a set of distinctive practices that take their shape from social structures. Connell (15) suggests that the interplay between men and social structures is in fact about benefits and gains that individual men may get by accepting these roles and in some cases striving for the status and power that accompanies them. Some males will take such risks as driving fast and competing in extreme sports because the benefits and status attached to these risks (with their mates) may outweigh the risks to their health. Indeed, Kerr etal (1) concludes that some forms of human behaviour serve no obvious biological need and, in terms of the individuals health and well being, appear to be positively self-destructive.

Since their early childhood, males are socialised to expose themselves to risk, indeed, research by Dawber and Morrongiello (000) found that mothers of small girls were more likely to caution their daughters against potentially risky activities, while mothers of small boys encouraged them to take risks. The research is supported by Petersen (000) who has concluded that risk-taking behaviours often start and possibly remain throughout the teenage years and have become a major public health concern. Psychoactive substance use, dangerous driving, etc., are related to a significant mortality and morbidity.

These risk-taking behaviours can be explained by sensation seeking. Sensation Seeking is the tendency to pursue novel & stimulating experiences. Those high in Sensation Seeking have strong positive affective reactions to situations of novelty & risk, are sensitive to internal sensations and choose environments that augment them (Zuckerman 14). Zuckerman continues by defining sensation seeking as a trait describing the tendency to seek novel, varied, complex, and intense sensations and experiences and the willingness to take risks for the sake of the experience. Zuckerman notes (14, p.16) that skydivers are characterized with both higher sensation seeking ambitions and a search for thrilling experiences, than most other partakers of other risky activities. An earlier view of psychologists in the late fifties was that skydivers had an inherent death wish, however it is noted that risk itself is not an attraction which is reduced as much as possible by developing skills...careful planning...and intense concentration. (14, p.175) An approach-avoidance conflict model is proposed whereby anxiety state varies directly with degree of appraised risk. (14, p.15) It is claimed that high sensation seekers believe risks to be not as great as do low sensation seekers. The sensations are also valued less by the low sensation seeker. Sensation seekers are attracted to novel and intense situations, willing to accept the risks involved and attempt to maximise arousal. It seems that in some males, dangerousness linked to an activity has an activating and/or stimulating function, some seem to enjoy participating in what some might consider very-high-risk or extreme sports activities (Patel 000).

A study by Slanger etal (17) examined the roles of sensation seeking and self-efficacy in explaining extreme and high physical risk taking behavior. The research included twenty extreme risk takers chosen from participants in skiing, rock climbing, kayaking, and a control group which was comprised of twenty high, but not extreme, risk takers from each of these activities, matched to the participants in skill and experience. A second control group consisted of twenty trained athletes involved in moderate risk sports. Percepts of self-efficacy emerged as the principle variable differentiating the groups. A social cognitive explanation for desire for mastery was used to understand what enables risk takers to overcome the potentially inhibiting influences of anxiety, fear, and the recognition of danger. The conclusion was further reinforced by converging results from interviews with the participants. Research by Le Breton (000) concludes that males are ... constantly called upon to prove themselves in a society where reference points are both countless and contradictory and where values are in crisis, people are now seeking a one-to-one relationship by radical means, testing their strength of character, their courage and their personal resources.

Although the question of there being a sensation-seeking trait is not being asked, as it could well explain certain male behaviours. However, there appears to be no specific research that supports the view that a sensation-seeking trait is solely dominant within males and therefore from the point of view of this discussion, it has to be reject as an explanation as to why more males than females put themselves at risk by competing in such activities. Also, the data collected from such studies have had a tendency to rely upon self-report questionnaires and also use twins which both respectively have methodological problems.

A recent article suggests that there is a growing trend for extreme sports, the pursuit of dangerous activities. The Dangerous sports club was set up by a group of students who shared an obsessive desire for excitement that could be achieved through risk-taking. These risk-taking activities are particularly popular among men aged 18-5. Research by Gunter (001) suggests that traditional male roles that were a constant test of his strength have now been eradicated, but they still have a basic need to prove themselves. The male has to create artificial circumstances to provide these tests of strengths, but it is also a method of self-acceptance and winning the approval of others. One of the central factors of hegemonic masculinity is that a man should be strong and silent and as Petersen (18) states, a man should not express his emotions openly or with other people.

BIOLOGICAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS.

A further factor to explain male behaviour is their biochemical make-up. Adrenalin is released into our bloodstream when we are in a stressful situation, causing the so-called fight or flight response reaction. A by-product of adrenalin is a substance called dopamine, a pleasure chemical that gives a naturally occurring feel good effect. Research has revealed that, in common with drug addicts who crave their next fix, many individuals partaking in extreme sports feel an unconscious need to top-up their dopamine levels, just to function normally. This biochemical factor can also be attributed to the fact that there are higher levels of testosterone within males and consequently this may lead to more aggressive and risky behaviours. However, Fletcher (17) disagrees with this view by concluding that attributing unwise behaviour to testosterone poisoning and the use of dubious analogies with the instinctive behaviour patterns of other species serve to deny the role of social influences in male behaviours (Watson 000). Lee etal (00) support such findings and conclude that differences in male and female accidental injury/death rates are explained by social and cultural factors which encourage males to choose activities which expose them to greater risks.

Alcohol and drug abuse, (although health risks in their own right), and peer group pressure, may have a contributory affect upon undertaking extreme sports. Without the ability to think coherently and think of the dangers, some may take part for fun or in the case of an individual present in the company of other males then there maybe the tendency to display traditional, stereotypical masculinity in order to avoid ridicule and isolation from the group. Identifying certain personality traits could determine those individuals who may involve themselves in risky activities. Research has suggested that individuals with Type A behaviours have an action-emotion complex, defined by competitiveness and achievement striving, in order to satisfy their desires they aim to establish themselves as the best in all that they do, which may often mean taking their activities to the extreme.

Another attributing factor that could explain risky male behaviour, maybe the socio-economic situation they are faced with. For example, males who participate in the sport of boxing - deemed to be a highly risky activity by the British Medical Association (1) - may have to continue in the sport, in spite of the literature that is now being presented that it could cause a detrimental affect upon health (Jones 001), as it is their only means of income. Under performance at school and a lack of motivation in the workplace are possible explanations to why they pursue a career as a boxer in the full knowledge they may well get hurt. Indeed, it is still a stereotypical view that it should be the male who is the 'bread-winner' and provide for his family again social and cultural influences upon the male's behaviour. However, competing as a boxer can again be explained by the traditional notion of masculinity, i.e. boxing can be seen as the ultimate display of being a true man, someone without no fear and the opportunity to demonstrate strength and courage.

THE MEDIA AS A TOOL OF HEALTH PROMOTION.

The media is often cited as reflecting and portraying the standards set by society and have long been considered to have an important role in defining and shaping culture (Craig, 14), therefore, the media should be one focus of any research of men and their behaviours. The appearance of such magazines as FHM and Mens Health exposes males to influential figures. The phrase "identificatory role models" suggests a potentially important theoretical mediator of the media's effects. Individuals who participate in any extreme activity are often portrayed by the media as daredevils, and deemed to be popular, successful and attractive. These individuals appear to have power and control - they are real men. The media discusses whether men are redundant, consequently some men find extreme ways to show that they are still real men (Davidson, Llyod, 001). The process of modeling as explicated in social learning theory, (Bandura 178), provides a theoretical means by which males may acquire the idea of indulging in risky behaviour in order to comply with the need to be masculine.

Although these magazines appear to be popularising the risk-taking behaviours of other males, the magazines do contain just about the only source of easily accessible information targeted specifically at them on how to lead a healthier lifestyle (Davidson etal, 001). However, a major criticism of the health coverage given by these magazines is that healthier lifestyle articles tend to be sandwiched between a larger numbers of other articles that appear to encourage distinctly unhealthy behaviour. Most of the magazines devote considerable attention to high-risk sports and this tends to be compounded by a lack of articles exploring the nature of masculinity itself or encourage a softer maleness (Davidson etal, 001). Anderson etal (1) found that in mens magazines, ...men were disproportionately subjected to articles depicting strong, tough and aggressive characters. These images may inadvertently lead to males conducting risky behaviour to display their masculinity to friends and family.

How can health promotion material help in attempting to reduce risky behaviour? Using material based upon the model of theory of reasoned action - which has been designed to explain all human behaviour that is under voluntary control. The model suggests that attitudes and an individuals perceptions of social influences can affect the intentions and subsequently the behaviour of the individual. Friends give us a sense of belonging and provide emotional support. People without such relationships are more vulnerable to a variety of problems. However studies have shown that male friends interact quite differently from female friends, where mens friendships are marked by shared activities. Their talk tends to centre on work, sports and sharing expertise (Craig, 14), but is not intimate for a fear of appearing homosexual. A study by Miller (18) suggests that an important inhibition to closeness between males is the competition among males learned in school, sports and business. Therefore any health promotion material has to first 'disable' any 'stereotypical', 'reinforced' ideas of masculinity and show that by not participating in risky activities then they are no less a man.

Communicating risk is a key public health strategy. The implicit assumptions are that the public interprets risk information in a logical fashion and adopts behavioural changes to reduce risk. Risk-taking behaviour is highest amongst younger people, and males. Public health measures should not assume that information campaigns would necessarily lead to a reduction in risk behaviour (Cook etal 001). People tend to read warnings if they perceive an activity or product to be dangerous or if they are less familiar with it. The perception of danger increased in reported compliance with warnings. Although familiarity with a particular activity increased the reading of warnings, familiarity did not increase reported compliance with warnings. Men were more likely to participate in high-risk sports (Vredenburgh etal 16).

An alternative to using the media as a medium to talk about health concerns is to attempt males to go to their doctors on a more regular basis who can advice them on the risks of certain activities. However, if as illustrated, a male is addicted to their risky behaviour there will be a need for a strong motivation to change their behaviour, but this approach is undermined by the view that seeking help is a sign of weakness and it is inappropriate to expose vulnerabilities to others. Research by Turner etal (000) confirms this view by studying male footballers that continued to play even when injured. Turner also suggests that continuous participation, spanning a career of over twenty years has left a large percentage of individuals with health problems and causing a decrease in quality of life. Indeed, Roderick (000) reveals that having a good attitude was required which was reinforced by punitive practices at the clubs studied. Roderick continues by stating that players were often ostracised and ignored by managers when injured and having to report to the club everyday creating a sense of inconvenience for the player.

SUMMARY.

Camerom etal (18) agrees with other literature when stating men are more likely to adopt risky behaviours. However, young men are likely to see little point in changing risk behaviours, whilst older men tend to express the view that at their age it is to late for behavioural changes to have any effect upon health (Lee 00). Unfortunately, neither of these attitudes is consistent with the empirical evidence (Davis etal 14). Younger males are disproportionately at risk of injury and accidental death and have lower levels of health promoting behaviour that are encouraged by socially mediated beliefs about masculine behaviour.

The production of health promotion material if delivered sensibly can have an affect upon the behaviours of males; nevertheless any health material has to ensure its effectiveness against the concept of hegemonic masculinity. It appears from the literature that the biggest influences on male behaviour are social and cultural, (this is based solely upon evidence within the western world and without completing studies in other nations we cannot conclusively say) but this is not to say that other factors are not involved. In answer to whether popular forms of media could help in the delivery of health promotion, I believe they can, as they have a large circulation and reach, but production of these magazines is based upon the pretext of providing males with the notion of what 'being a male is' and invariably this will involve exposure to possible risky activities.

Caffray etal (000) have analysed the way in which the popular media direct information about mens health and health behaviours towards females reinforcing the notion that men should not concern themselves with health issues. Understanding the motivation underlying paradoxical behaviour should be of interest to those involved in clinical practice. However, it is important to state that individuals who partake in sport/exercise (albeit, extreme) may have increased self-esteem and self-confidence which impacts upon the levels of depression and anxiety. A lower level of depression and anxiety has a tendency to result in lower stress levels thus individuals may experience less common health problems and longer life expectancies.

Please note that this sample paper on the psychology of risky activities in males is for your review only. In order to eliminate any of the plagiarism issues, it is highly recommended that you do not use it for you own writing purposes. In case you experience difficulties with writing a well structured and accurately composed paper on the psychology of risky activities in males, we are here to assist you. Your persuasive essay on the psychology of risky activities in males will be written from scratch, so you do not have to worry about its originality.

Order your authentic assignment from livepaperhelp.com and you will be amazed at how easy it is to complete a quality custom paper within the shortest time possible!