The Spaces between Stars by Geeta Kothari Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Spaces between Stars by Geeta Kothari - Essay Example This research will begin with the definition of Hinduism as one of the oldest religions of the world. It evolved in the Indian subcontinent over 5000 years ago and has a rich body of literature. Unlike monotheistic religions such as Christianity or Islam, Hinduism is polytheistic, with thousands of deities and gods being worshipped. Even in terms of ethnography and culture, there is a rich diversity of Hindu expression. The sacred rituals and beliefs related to Hinduism vary across ethnic communities in India. The Hindu scriptures explain morality in the form of legends and myths. More than a religion per se, Hinduism can be looked at as a philosophical system. The key themes of this system are that of the interconnectedness of life, repercussions of good and bad deeds (karma), the temporariness of earthly existence and the aspiration toward liberation from it (moksha). Texts such as the Upanishads and epics such as Ramayana and Mahabaratha serve as mediums of this philosophic discou rse. While the Hindu idea of karma is deterministic, it does not promote fatalistic attitude. While the circumstances we find ourselves in are somewhat arbitrary, there is much we can alter our future through the exercise of free will.   Towards the end of the story, Maya seems to realize this truth.   She is seen to slowly make a resolution that she will henceforth be more faithful to her feelings and no more live in denial.

Mental models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mental models - Essay Example Basically, these mental models are ideas and beliefs that people instinctively or intentionally acquires from their experiences and which consequently influence their behavior and mindset (Uitdewilligen, Waller, & Pitariu, 2013). These images of recognized reality inform individuals of cause and effect, and push them to predict specific outcomes, interpret occurrences, and prompt them to act in specific ways. However, mental models can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, particularly with regard to perceiving other people. This essay discusses how mental models both assist and limit an individual’s perception of people they will meet for the first time. Individuals all have assumptions about other people. These assumptions guide individuals in a variety of ways. They assist individuals in anticipating and interpreting the behavior of other people. Assumptions about others are also helpful when an individual has to give a description of another person. Yet, the main import ance of a mental model is its capacity to help individuals conduct their interactions with other people (Young, 2011). People’s assumptions about other people have significant impact in their daily lives. ... In the real world, people obviously do not have the luxury of time to get to know all the people they meet personally. According to Senge (2010), mental models help individuals make decisions and anticipate how other people will act in specific circumstances instantly. The usefulness of mental models becomes pronounced in a culturally diverse organization (Matteson, 2013). For instance, a senior executive in a multinational company is urgently looking for a new project manager. The applicants come from different racial backgrounds, and the senior executive is assigned to interview each of these applicants. He is meeting all these applicants for the first time. His mental models of various racial groups will definitely influence his choice. These mental models will guide his decision of who to hire for the position of project manager. Mental models are valuable tools in unfamiliar situations and circumstances requiring quick decisions. These mental models can also be useful in instanc es where an individual will be meeting another person from a different culture. These mental models may guide an individual’s behavior or attitude toward another person. Having an assumption of one’s culture helps create a meaningful and respectful interaction between individuals of different cultures (Lundquist & Jarvella, 2000); for instance, if person A, an Australian, will meet person B, a Japanese, for the first time it would be helpful if person A assumes that Japanese, unlike Australians, are not straightforward people. This assumption will help person A conduct a harmonious, polite conversation with person B. Even in business negotiations, mental models of individual characteristics and culture may help resolve conflict and make personal and cultural

Crime Causation and Diversion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Crime Causation and Diversion - Essay Example As they are young they can be physically and mentally provoked easily than adults. California is a highly crime prone area and men as well as youth indulge in crimes day and night in this state. Here more violence can be seen among children as they imitate the criminal acts performed by adults in real life or movies. Mostly the youths are under the addiction of drugs and have knowledge as towards their violent action. Most of the children who are having single parent or parents who are psychologically disturbed can provoke the child to do more criminal actions. Organized crime and criminal networks in many California cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento have a base in Russia. These people can even make children as their prey to perform crime .So in order combat this social evil the government has organized juvenile intervention, diversion and prevention programs. Juvenile prevention programs rather two intervention programs practiced in California is analyzed in detail further below. These two are California Youth Outreach and Juvenile Intervention & Prevention Program (JIPP). Youth are the ones, who get easily diverted in to drug, alcohol and crime and they are the ones who require utmost caring and intervention at the right age. Young children get some drugs, money or other facilities in return to their criminal act. But California Youth Outreach reaches out to young people who are victimized to the youth gangs and their aggressive behavior of violence and weapon usage. This intervention program is extremely careful in imparting education to the youth who are in juvenile restriction. Along with juvenile youths, their families are also educated regarding gang violence, drugs, alcohol and weapon usage. JIPP is an intervention program which is founded by Stephen Koffman who resides in Southern California and has masters in social work to his credit. Stephen

Analyse and evaluate the impact of volunteer tourism on host Essay

Analyse and evaluate the impact of volunteer tourism on host communities - Essay Example Volunteer tourism is thus aimed at serving for the welfare of the community and at the same time facing the challenges in touring new places of diverse language and culture. Generally mass tourism is viewed as an activity of excursion or entertainment trip that is aimed at refreshment for the people undertaking the tour. The visit to new places is aimed at getting to know the language, culture and heritage of the places. The activities of mass tourism involve leisure with food and lodging, luxurious transport, etc. These activities impact the host community as it leads to environmental pollution and degradation and accumulation of garbage and waste. With the rise in globalization and increase in activities of the tourism industry, the issues of environmental degradation and conservation of wildlife and awareness of pollution have become sensitive issues all over the world. Volunteer tourism is an activity undertaken the volunteer tourists in undertaking tours to different places with an objective to serve for the welfare of the tourist spots (Benson, 2010, p.39). Discussion The activities of volunteer tourism has shifted the objective of tourism from the welfare of tourist industry to the welfare of host community or the places which host the tourist for a being popular destinations. The members of the community view the activities of volunteer tourism as restoration of nature and environmental balance of the host community. As a result of this, the members of the host community engage themselves directly in activities undertaken as a part of volunteer tourism. The members of the host community act in collaboration of the volunteers tourists and extend full co-operation and support to the volunteers in order to accomplish the goals of volunteer tourism. As a result of the volunteer tourism, the tourists are also exposed to the culture, language and social heritage of the area and thus there is a healthy exchange of culture between the local people and the volun teer tourists. The overall purpose of volunteer tourism being aimed at welfare of the host community, the local area is positively impacted by the honest efforts of the volunteer tourists. The volunteer tourists also have the objective of providing assistance to the community development projects that have been planned for execution. In order to be fully effective, the community development projects should be supported with necessary funds along with the knowledge and skill for efficient execution (Bricker,  Black and  Cottrell, 2012, p.49). The community development programmes may be aimed at development of children and women in the region, provision of food and nourishment for the under privileged, conservation of trees and forests, environmental balance, etc. The volunteer tourists play a vital role in collecting the necessary funding and also share the knowledge and skill required for execution of the community development projects. The volunteer tourism activities provide a means for the host community to increase their income levels and also accumulation of wealth. The volunteer tourist activities put up in the target destination for a period of time. Thus the basic and essential needs of the volunteer tourists need to be fulfilled by the economy of the host country. The supply from the host community is purchased by the volunteer tourists due to which the income levels of the host commu

Benefits that are associated with good growth Essay

Benefits that are associated with good growth - Essay Example This essay discusses that once the living standards decline or stagnate, there is little or no progress at all in most societies toward any of the aforementioned goals, this leads to retrogression in many instances. The importance of good economic growth cannot therefore be overlooked as it ensures standards of living are improved as well as the well being of the economy itself. The impacts of economic growth should not necessary be negative towards the environment. It has been argued by some economist that economic growth can ultimately lead to environmental improvement, notwithstanding the increase in environmental degradation in the past associated with economic growth. As Robert Reich puts it, economic growth does not necessarily mean production of a lot of stuff, but rather, it is all about the nation’s ability to produce everything that the inhabitants of that nation want and need, which include improvement of public health, schools, as well as effective management of en vironment. This statement is validated by the argument advanced by Friedman to states that even though there is a wide belief that a bigger GDP ( availability of more services and goods) show the way to more satisfied and happier citizens, the proposition is more complicated than it seem. According to him, most individuals do judge their well being through weighing themselves against other people. For this reason, in the event that the average income of a given country increases the expectations of the people also go up. Consequently, the levels of GDP taken alone per individual in a particular nation, does not essentially give a clear reflection of the level of happiness among the citizens. The absence of a direct connection between the levels of GDP per individual in a given country and individual satisfaction seems to challenge the purely economic point of view in support of growth. This raises the question as to the veracity of people having to go through all the turmoil of econ omic restructuring as well as technological change while, the availability of bigger homes and more gadgets are not going to make people happier It has been the contention of other economist economic growth is good and important as people get to see their own earning increasing, and they do not have to worry about comparing themselves with others. Eventually, that state generates a more conducive environment for both social and political advancement in a given country. As pointed out earlier, economic growth does not necessarily have to go hand in hand with environmental degradation; as a matter of fact growth can be a very vital tool in controlling and managing environmental degradation as pointed out by Robert Reich. According to Dinda (2005), contrary to most people beliefs, continues economic growth can be the best means through which environmental degradation can be addressed. This can only be done by developing a mechanism that defines the relationship between income generated and environmental degradation. As Dinda (2005) puts it, when a particular country attains a satisfactorily high living standard, the citizens of such countries attach more importance to environmental facilities around them. To put it more simply, the more people become wealthier, the more time they will have to consider other things as opposed to the poor people who only think about basic survival. The wealthy on the other hand, will have more time to think about being more richer and environmental conditions. Since they do have significant influence, they are capable of influencing the local and national government to look into the issue of environmental improvement. Study shows that, even though during the early stages of economic growth there

Political Dialogue between Hitler and Stalin Essay

Political Dialogue between Hitler and Stalin - Essay Example Thesis statement: The imaginary political dialogue between Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin prove that Nazi and communist worldviews on key political issues are theoretically correct but practically disastrous. The Nazi and Communist worldviews on key political issues The Nazi ideology was based upon racial purity, Aryan domination and hatred against the Jews. James Giblin â€Å"There are no memorials to Adolph Hitler in Germany, the country he ruled with an iron hand from 1933 to 1945† (1). At the same time, this ideology was deeply influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy. On the other side, the Russian Communism was deeply influenced by Marxism which originated in Germany. At the same time the practical side of both these political ideologies (say, under dictators) proved to be disastrous. The imaginary political dialogue between Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin proves the same. A. On French Revolution Hitler: Good morning, Mr. Joseph Stalin, are you happy with yo ur manipulation of Communist ideology and its degradation in USSR? Stalin: Morning, see Mr. Hitler, you know nothing about the will power of the working class people. I represent the Communist Party in USSR, not dictatorship. If you know more about working class struggle, please tell me about French Revolution? Hitler: Ha, ha, ha. It was the most foolish attempt undertaken by the so called revolutionaries in France. Did they win anything? No. Were they able to overpower the world? Then why you people back up such a foolish act. I feel pity of you. Stalin: Your words prove your ignorance. See, French revolution deeply influenced the world history and it elevated the dignity and personal liberty of human beings in general. But you people will not try to understand the same as a human attempt to regain dignity because you do not believe in human dignity. William Doyle states that â€Å"In political terms pre-revolutionary France was an absolute monarchy† (21). Hitler: Again talk ing nonsense. You consider yourself as the messiah of revolutionaries, and then what is your role in USSR? Why you wear the mask of a Communist? Stalin: You are beating around the bush, without pointing out any important matters regarding political issues like French Revolution and it’s after effects. So, I feel better to conclude this matter. Thanks. Hitler: But you never reveal your real identity as a fake communist and a dictator. B. On American Revolution (1775–1783) Stalin: Mr. Hitler, what is the Nazi opinion on American Revolution (1775–1783)? Was it a revolutionary attempt undertaken by the Rebels in America? Hitler: Mr. Stalin, it was a lame attempt undertaken by anti-revolutionaries in America. Stalin: I was quite sure that Nazis will consider American Revolution as a lame attempt. But did the American revolutionaries in thirteen colonies of North America defeat the Great Britain? Hitler: See, the French, Spanish and Dutch conspiracy defeated the Briti sh forces, not the revolutionaries. Stewart Ross points out that â€Å"However, America’s revolution was more than just a military triumph† (8). Stalin: Ok. Who did authorize the British Parliament to impose direct taxation or the Stamp Act of 1765 in American colonies? What was the consequence? Did it accelerate the American attempt to form a shadow government? Hitler: See, your knowledge is not deep and the

Fast Food Essay Example for Free

Fast Food Essay Obesity is an epidemic that is sweeping over the United States today. It’s affecting both adults and children. With the increase in fast food availability and a decrease in the time most Americans have to prepare nutritious meals at home, it’s obvious why more people are eating at fast food restaurants. Obesity is a growing problem in the United States and more and more children are being affected. But do uneducated families have the right to put the blame on fast food restaurants for the health issues they could easily prevent? I believe that we are taking it too far by blaming fast food restaurants for obesity and that it is an individual’s responsibility to take the blame. While R. A. Ames The Food Isn’t to Blame and Richard Daynard â€Å"You Want Fries with That? † use different themes of blaming fast companies and individual decisions to underscore the effects of fast of food on America, the Rahul K. Parikh in â€Å"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Fats Kid† picks up the same theme, he blames advertisements for America’s Obesity. In the article, â€Å"Fast Food Isn’t to Blame? † R. A. Ames states that weight difficulties are the responsibility of the individuals and we should not blame the fast food industry or other biological and environmental causes. Human beings are individuals with the freedom to make their own choices. Nobody forces us to eat anything we do not want to. Choosing to eat fast food is all our own decision, and we put ourselves at risk for obesity. Obesity due to excessive consumption of fast food can only be blamed on our own actions. Fast food chains appear everywhere in today’s world. Home delivery of various foods is more accessible than ever before. These are common excuses when overweight people blame fast food industries for their bodies. Before reading these essays, I already had an opinion about fast food in my mind. I believed that if someone was overweight or obese, that it was no one’s fault but their own. In his essay, however â€Å"You Want Fries with That? † Richard Daynard explained why he believes that today’s fast food industry is largely responsible for the dramatic rise in obesity cases in both children and adults of America. Daynard discussed how the fast food industries played a large role in deceiving the public into buying their food. Daynard said that society needs to find a happy medium when dealing with the fast food industry, whether it be through lawsuits or some other action! Daynard also backed up his claim by using supporting statistics surrounding fast food and obesity in America over the years. Ames’s essay on the other hand used no statistics. He based his entire essay on personal opinion. His frequent use of the word â€Å"I† also made the essay less effective. Overall, Richard Daynard had a much more objective argument about fast food than R. A. Ames. Daynard used specific statistics, and facts about the fast food industry, and he kept himself out of the article for the most part. Daynard was very effective in making me believe his argument. Another essay I have compared R. A. Ames is with Rahul K. Parikh’s â€Å"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Fats Kid† . Both of these essays had strong opinions concerning who is to blame regarding obesity in America. The Fast Food Isnt to Blame was more persuasive I thought because it placed the blame for the obesity problem on the individual person and what he/she put into their bodies not on the fast food industries. According to R. A. Ames, â€Å"Americans tend to drive to Burger King and order a Double Whopper with Cheese with a King size fries instead of driving to a supermarket and pick up some turkey and whole wheat bread† (326). They are obese because they make a choice to eat fast food themselves, not because fast food chains force them to stop by their restaurants to eat their food. Ames went on to say that instead of people taking responsibility for being obese they are blaming the fast food industry. Ames compared obesity to smoking. He made this comparison because both can be deadly and that in the end you still have to put the cigarette in your mouth the same way you put a candy bar. After this Ames said that in the land of the free we are able to make our own decisions but with this freedom we as people have to be responsible for our decisions. Rahul Parikh said in his essay that â€Å"Parents need to take charge of what foods they’re buying and how they’re preparing those foods† (1). This statement is suggesting that instead of blaming fast food companies parents should control their children’s food buying habits. They should limit their television hours where they see all those advertisements that attract them to eat fast foods. Rahul said that companies use superstars, action heroes, cartoons to promote their products in the market that attracts people and mainly children’s. Rahul compared child advertisement to obesity and suggested that today children will see 40,000 advertisements in a year. In this huge number of advertisements, two third of those are for junk and fast food. Ames and Rahul were both arguing that it is our individual choices to eat fast food, so we should not blame companies who provide them. In our society, we are always looking for someone or something to blame for our problems. We seem to want to avoid taking responsibility for our actions and their consequences. Overall obesity has nothing to do with the fast food industry and genetics, but rather the choices. People should be encouraged to take personal responsibility for their actions and realize what they put into their mouths, and that how much exercise they do contributes to their health and well-being. When overweight people admit that they cause their own obesity, they can swiftly move away from being obese and recognize a healthy lifestyle. While in R. A. Ames The Food Isn’t to Blame and Richard Daynard â€Å"You Want Fries with That? † use different themes of blaming fast companies and individual decisions to underscore the effects of fast of food on America, One other hand Rahul K. Parikh â€Å" Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Fats Kid† has same theme has R. A. Ames essay, he blamed advertisements for America’s Obesity. I have discussed the Ame’s essay with my friends and family. Most of them are agreed with the essay but there were also some people who were disagreed. I eat very precisely, before eating anything I check calories and fat of the product I am going to eat.