Totem Response Essay Example

Totem Response Paper Many stories written by Thomas King have a strong sense of sarcasm and satire worked into the story. This is clearly evidenced in Totem where Thomas King subtly pokes fun at the way the Canadian Government treated Aboriginal people. To understand the deeper meaning of the story, the reader must have a basic knowledge of Canadian history. The way the Canadian Government and European settlers treated the Aboriginal people is often viewed as one of the most horrific and unjust acts in Canadian if not the entire worlds history. The story begins with an impatient, Beebe Hill, waiting at the reception desk to file a formal complaint: she thought other people Were too polite to complain about the noises the totem pole in the far corner of the room was making (119). Ms. Hill represents the population of the European settlers moving into the land and finding Aboriginal people living there. Walter, the head of the museum decides to kick for a quick, easy and emperors fix; his plan is to chop the totem pole down with a chainsaw and move it down to the basement. However to the surprise of Walter and his workers, There is a totem pole in the corner, and its grunting. (121 Another totem pole appeared and it was making even more noise. Walter continued with his easy fix of cutting the totem poles down until he did not have any more room in the basement to store them. We will write a custom essay sample on Totem Response specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Totem Response specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Totem Response specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Thomas King is cleverly sing satire here to point out how ridiculous of a solution, moving Aboriginals to somewhere where we wont run into them truly is. In the end both Walter and the Canadian Government remained mildly annoyed (122) but decided to live with the problem. Kings incorporation of symbolism amongst the characters, each representing their own piece of Canadian history, allows the satire to reveal just how absurd the Canadian Governments treatment of the Aboriginals truly was.

What really Happened essays

What really Happened essays When someone views this picture for the first time there is usually a feeling of shock at what they see. This feeling is clearly understandable if you are just shown the picture by itself with no caption or background information. It is the lack of facts and truths that have caused this very photograph to be the center of so much controversy and debate. When this photo was taken from a video clip filmed at the bombing of Trang Bang in June of 1972 the correct version of the story was reported. Since then and in other journalist's stories the truth has become distorted over time and this photo has become an icon for the anti-war movement. Although this photo actually had very little impact on the decision to withdrawal troops and end our campaign in Vietnam it has had a profound impact on the American and Vietnamese public. This photograph was taken in June of 1972 by Nick Ut outside the small city of Trang Bang. The small girl with her clothes burned from her body shown running away from the ruin was Kim Phuc. The soldiers seen in the background are Army of the Republic of Vietnam soldiers. The fires in the background is napalm burning. These elements by themselves simply show a small moment in time captured on film. This moment frozen in time displays all the terrors and what is wrong with war. If we add into this mix irresponsible reporting with a public opinion already geared in the direction that our involvement in Vietnam was wrong we have a dangerous mix. What this dangerous mix has evolved into today is a gigantic misconception of what really happened in this frozen moment of time. This photograph not only has effected the American public it has also been used as propaganda against the South Vietnamese government. There have been many myths about this one specific photograph, some are understandable and some have been out right lies or media grabbers getting their moment in the spotlight. As reporters covere...

Questions on Economic Principles Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Questions on Economic Principles - Assignment Example The concept of Own Price Elasticity of Demand revolves around the formula of % change in the quantity demanded over a % change in the price (Sloman, 2009). Price Elasticity of Demand (Formula) = %?Qd/%?P The determinants for the Price Elasticity of Demand are the number of close substitutes available, the proportion of income spent and the time period. In this case the cabbages have a number of close substitutes; hence it will be more elastic in terms of the variation in price. The cross elasticity of demand is the reaction of the demand for product A to a variation in price of product B (Sloman, 2009). The formula will be as follows: Cross Elasticity of Demand (AB) = %?QDa/%?Pb In this case the major determinant is the intimacy of the substitute or the complementary good. If good A is a substitute to good B, then a price rise in good B will result in the rise in demand of good A. However, if good B is a complementary good to A, than an increase in price of B will decrease the demand for Good A. Income Elasticity of demand (IED) is the other concept which considers the income of any given individual and the relative reaction of a change in that income to that of the quantity demanded. The determinant of the IED is the necessity of the good. For developed countries, the demand for luxury goods rises quickly with an increase in the consumer income in respect to the demand of basic goods (Sloman, 2009). The formula is as follows: Yed= %?Qd/%?Y The high positive value of the Cross Price Elasticity of Demand (CED) for Magpie against Eagle shows that the two products are very close substitutes of each other. This value of Cross Price Elasticity shows that the two companies are constantly competing with each other. A slight decrease in the price of Eagle products will hugely decrease the Quantity Demanded of Magpie. The concept of advertising and marketing can be related with the Cross Price Elasticity of Demand. The concept of branding and consumer loyalty can be cre ated for any company with intelligent marketing and heavy advertisements. Consumers have a choice when there are competitors competing to win them with the same products. Such a high cross price elasticity of demand for Magpie against Eagle shows that they have not been able to create brand loyalty for its customers. They do not have the market power to reduce the substitution effect i.e. by creating brand loyalty and attracting customers. First let us take the situation of Magpie and the Eagle, with a cross price elasticity of +3.2. It can be interpreted with the formula. CED is the sensitivity of demand for Magpie to an alteration in the respective price of Eagle. The major determining factor for cross elasticity is the extra intimacy of the product to Magpie. The positive value shows that an enhancement in the price of Eagle will escalate the demand for Magpie and vice versa. The large value of a positive 3.2 shows that a 1% increase in the price of Eagle will result in a massive 3.2% increase in the quantity demanded for Magpie. Hence and change in the price of the competitor will be closely monitored by Magpie. This high positive relation shows that consumers are very sensitive to price changes and will shift their interest to Eagle if Magpie increases its prices. There is also a positive relationship between the Quantity Demanded of Magpie and the change in the consumer

Life's Greatest Miracle Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Life's Greatest Miracle - Term Paper Example The processes such as meiosis are critical for the variation that makes the offspring to possess better traits than their parents do. The division of the cells and development of the embryo into a fetus through the formation of vital organs results in the birth of a child. The documentary indicates that the sexual and asexual reproduction is significant in the propagation of life. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) plays an important function that involves the carrying of human genetic information, which is useful for the development of new human life. The DNA offers each human being unique traits. Sexual reproduction creates variation and improves the survival rate of the species. The process of meiosis, which entails the combination of genes, confers a unique set of characteristics. Fundamentally, the human body has an unquestionable urge to reproduce and the union of the sperm and ovum results in an embryo. Fertilization leads to the combination of hereditary information and forms the building blocks of the new human life. Melinda and Sergio’s story underpins the significance of the DNA in passing the hereditary information from one generation to the other. Evident in the documentary, the two partners wonder the appearance of their baby. Melinda an d Sergio contemplate whether the baby will have its father’s eyebrows or that of the grandmother (PBS). The conversation between the two shows that the offspring have a certain percentage of DNA from the previous generation. Hence, DNA is a crucial molecule that carries hereditary information. The embryo undergoes developmental stages to become a fetus and eventually a fully developed baby. The multiplication of cells results in specific body parts. Notably, blood vessel forms at the first three weeks, followed by the development of the primitive backbone, brain, and the eyes, as well as other organs that comprise a functional body system (PBS). Genes play a critical role in turning on and off various

Addressing Inequality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Addressing Inequality - Essay Example Being controversial issues, inequity and inequality are closely connected as inequity is the result of inequality. Inequality indicates the distribution of resources across society giving an idea of the difference between what rich and poor people can earn, average income, and redistribution of the county’s income. Countries characterized by high levels of inequality have high levels of poverty showing the fact that the distribution and redistribution of the country’s resources are linked to the poverty issues (Inequality: what is it?). One of the countries with high level of inequality is the U.S. The gap between poor and rich is the widest since 1929 and has doubled in 21 years. During the year (2001 and 2002) the number of poor rose by 1.7 million people. This imbalance is mostly caused by tax cuts which burden the poor more and more. There are complaints that the U.S. laws are unjust as they tolerate oppression of poor people and do not provide them minimum needs. I n Alabama, for example, people who get low income pay higher rate of income tax than those who are wealthy. As an example may be taken the timber industry that has the ownership for 71 percent of the land and pays only 2 percent of the tax. The paradox is that Americans are the richest nation but with the highest poverty rate (Lampman J.). Income inequality which is also among social issues of the U.S. is positively correlated with mental illness, low life expectancy, obesity, drug use, crime and teen pregnancy. Australia is also the country which has documented the growing gap between the poor and rich. The research shows that the most vulnerable Australians have been hardest hit by rising costs for health, education, and public transport services. Pensioners, unemployed, low-income people and aged have faced the harshest rising changes in the living costs. It has also been stated that essential services are placed beyond the reach of the above-mentioned section of the population. Education and medicine have become the services which are sometimes almost inaccessible to many people. The example may be education costs which soared 200 percent above the inflation rate and medical services which are 180 percent above the inflation rate (Holland K., Zimmer E). Inequality in Australia is present in various spheres of life, for example, the average female wage is only 65% of the average wage of a male, and racism is strongly expressed against aboriginals. Inequality is also a characteristic of the polarization of income groups into poor and rich. (Social Inequality in Australia) Hungary is among the countries with low economic growth, decline in wages, and high rate of inflation that has resulted from severe measures, introduces by the government, to make changes in health, educations, and to cut back on the deficit of the government. The above mentioned measures include co-payments in the sphere of health care, tuition at educational establishments. They were intr oduced in 2006 and caused social tension. Poverty of Hungarians is an extreme case of social inequalities. The number of poor is constantly growing. Vast job losses after 1990 caused rapid increase in inequalities and led to privatization and restructuring of wages and prices, and decline in the social transfers value. Declining income security has led to the number of health problems. Hungarians marry late, have few children and in most cases later in life. Life expectancy is also unsatisfactory as citizens live sorter than it would be expected taking into account economic development indicators. One more problem which results from inequality is high death rate especially among certain social groups of people. Hungary is the country for which such social problems

Camera Angles And Movement

Camera Angles And Movement Films have evolved over time. Whether it is the shift in techniques or the change in directing style, the development is certainly apparent. Casablanca (1942) is written by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch, directed by Michael Curtiz, and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It is considered one of Hollywoods iconic movies as it creates a great balance between humor, suspense, and romance. Casablanca is a multi-layered film that belongs to the film noir of the 1940s. Curtizs use of camera angles such us close-ups, point of view, panning, Wide shots, dolly and tracking creates wonderful movement within the film. These camera shots help guide the viewers understanding of the storys development and direct their attention to what is happening. This paper will discuss and further explore the various camera angles and movement techniques that were implemented within the film and provide examples on each. At the beginning of the 20th century, according to Borwell D., Thompson K., Staiger J. (1985), Advanced capitalism characterized the economy after World War I. This characterization is applicable to film industry. (p. 320). Studio owners that owned sets also bought theaters, thereby monopolizing the business. Having their actors under several-year extended contracts enabled them to produce a large number of movies yearly. That was known as factory-oriented style of production of film. This movie was set in the Moroccan city of Casablanca but was actually filmed in the Warner Bros Studios. The controllable set allowed Curtiz to manipulate the environment for his own advantage, or in other words, to convey the environment he wanted. His use of a variety of camera angles and framing allowed the viewer to be part of the story. Camera angles and shots in the movie helped the viewer foreshadow which path the story is going to take and establish a connection between the characters and the plot. They also act as a catalyst that motivates a positive response from the viewer while noticing the development in the story. One of the initial camera techniques implemented in the movie was the close up shot. It occurred at the beginning of the movie, as the police rounded suspects while a man with a mess of papers attempted to flee the scene. The police ended up shooting him to death. Then we see a police officer going down next to the body and pulling out papers from his pocket. It turns out to be a free France flier which is propaganda for the freedom of France, which establishes the context of the movie. The close-up shot mentioned was used to emphasize the use of a specific vantage point, which in this case, is from the point of view of the audience and not the officer. A second and very different close-up shot was used at the opening scene of Ricks cafà ©, where groups of people were gambling and making shady deals. Afterwards, a waiter brings a check to an individual (at that point, unknown by the audience) who signs the check with the phrase ok rick, revealing the identity of this individual without the use of any dialogue or narration. A repetitive pattern arises in terms of the close up technique; the close ups are designed for the audience rather than merely focusing on the characters. Michael Curtiz made sure that the audience was part of the story. Another important camera technique used was the point of view technique, to allow the viewer to both observe the characters and be part of the scene. The placement of the camera plays a huge role in determining what the viewer is looking at. Here, the positioning of the camera at the exact height of the character allows the viewers to be implanted within the scene, making the scene more effective and personalized. Curtiz uses this technique in the movie when Rick and Louis are having a conversation about Lazlo coming to Casablanca and his rumored arrival. The placement of the camera here, above of Louis left shoulder, is crucial; we get to witness Ricks reaction to the news as well as Louis counter reaction to Ricks reply. The interesting variation Curtiz made on the point of view technique was used as a method of motivation to instigate a reaction from the audience. A panning shot, also one of the major techniques used in shooting the film, is a continuous shot that allows the audience to view the entire environment from one point to another. As Gianetti (2011) mentions that pan shots tend to unify the space and the connectedness of people and objects within that space. However, Curtiz added his own variation to a panning shot. In one scene, Strasser enters Ricks cafà © as a regular customer. However, to foreshadow an arising conflict between Rick and Strasser, Curtiz allows the camera to pan from Strasser but it stops at Rick. This tension filled shot does not pan around the cafà ©, as to highlight the existence of a conflict between both characters. Michael Curtiz utilizes an establishing wide shot when Rick first meets Lazlo. This type of shot focuses on all individuals sitting at a table. In that scene, when Rick begins speaking to Ilsa, the angle of the shot changes to more of a tighter wide angle shot, indicating that everyone else seated at the table is insignificant in that scene. As soon as the conversation began between Rick and Ilsa, the camera shifts into a close up tight shot on their faces. Here, a close-up shot is used to reinforce the existence of an emotional relationship between the characters. The viewers attention is directed to Rick and Ilsa as the ones driving the action. They seem to be at the center of most events As for the final scene of the movie, the camerawork used there is an example of great camera movement; the same action is shown from different angles before and after the plane takes off. There is a slower tracking (dolly) shot as the plane starts to move preparing to fly. Finally, there is dolly movement as the plane flies above Rick and Louis and we see it in the air. The last scene with the tracking and dolly shots of the plane emphasize its stature, as its the only way to escape as its taking Ilsa and Lazlo to freedom. The closing scene as Rick and Louis walkaway, as Kolker (2011) mentioned the closing scene as the camera dollys out and smoke appears behind the characters; that is one of the most memorable endings in movie history. Camera angles were not only used to reveal different relationships between people or to direct the viewers attention. They were also used to convey the importance of certain symbols and objects of a significant presence in the movie. When Lazlo met at the bar with a man who was trying to sell him a ring, a close-up on the ring showed a double cross symbol on it which stood for Joan of Arc, a symbol for France. On another note, an important object in the movie was Sams piano. In addition to the placement of the piano at the center of the cafà ©, guests seemed to always want to be near it. It created a fun mood that took away their worries. It is also a symbol for Ricks love for Ilsa. The piano seems to always be present in the frame when a wide shot was taken of Ricks cafà © or when Rick are having flashbacks of him and Ilsa in Paris. A wide shot of the spotlight reinforces its symbolism as people are being watched all the time. According to Keaney (2003), Casablanca is a genuine American masterpiece of romance, mystery, and intrigue, with Boghart and Bergman at its center as the star crossed lovers and Henried as the unselfish patriot (p. 77), Casablanca is a melodrama during World War II where everything in the world is changing, including technique and style. The film takes place before the US chose a side in the war and prior to Pearl Harbor. In fact, the studio did not expect the film to be a huge success. However, on the contrary, Casablanca is one of the most iconic films in American history. The wide range of camera angles and shooting techniques Curtiz used only added to its success, involving the viewers in the movie and constantly attracting their attention. He created context using close ups, in addition to taking into consideration the audiences vantage point as a key element. He used the point-of view technique that allows the audience to be part of the scene as well as observe the reactions of the characters involved in the scene. He used a panning shot in order to indicate a change in action. An establishing wide shot used in the movie was then changed it into a tighter frame to emphasize the idea that Ilsa and Rick are always at the center of events. The final scene of the film using the dolly movement to emphasize the stature of the plane and what it stands for. Focusing on the camera angles and shots creates a variety of movements as the story develops.

Grendel and Beowulf Heroism :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

Intentions and Heroism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A building is ablaze and a crowd of people stare helplessly from the streets, listening to screams coming from within. A single person runs in to rescues whomever he or she can find. Whether or not that person emerges with a child in their arms, empty handed, or not at all, does nothing to alter our society’s perception of their heroism. Today’s society would classify such an action as heroic, regardless of outcome, for one reason: intentions. During Anglo-Saxton times the interpretation of such an act, based on the tale Beowulf, would not be so understanding of what was intended, but rather of the outcome. If one perished and failed in an attempt of such a heroic act words like weakness might arise. It is here that the clash of what a hero is occurs between the Anglo-Saxton tale Beowulf and John Gardner’s Grendel. Beowulf in Beowulf is a hero for he defeats evil and restores order to and for the common people. Unferth in Grendel however is un successful in his campaign against evil, but like the man who emerges empty handed he is by no means any less of a hero. For heroism, as demonstrated in the Anglo-Saxton tale Beowulf, is altered in Gardner’s Grendel to convey the idea that intentions define a hero as opposed to actions. Beowulf is a classic hero in Beowulf for he fits the epitomized romantic mold so perfectly. His appearance is that of a hero, he is large, muscular, and intimidating. His intentions are also in the right place, he wishes to free Hrothgar’s people from the evil that is Grendel. He is a mature man, one who in the face of belittlement responds respectably and effectively. â€Å"Then up spoke Unferth†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Are you that Beowulf who with Breca swam on the broad sea-swell struggling together proud wave-wrestlers wagering your lives with reckless boasting risking for praise deep water-death?...† Beowulf answered†¦Ã¢â‚¬ and you were never known for such deeds nothing to brag of renowned as you are for killing your brothers†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p.17-18 Beowulf) Beowulf doesn’t put Unferth down; rather he reminds him that he has no place to talk of heroic deeds and moves on. Gardner’s version of Beowulf is a much different person. â€Å"The eyes slanted downward, never blinking, unfeeling as snake’s† (p. 154) â€Å"The sea-pale eyes of the stranger were focused on nothing† (p. 155) â€Å"The stranger smiled on, he downward slanting eyes like empty pits.