by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
Fire departments
The Stratford rescue and fire department is driven by a goal to protect and make the residents of city of Stratford safe. Administratively, the department makes use of the electronic media in accomplishing its goals. The department is well equipped with apparatus to handle any emerging fire emergency or related incident. According to Bain (48), the department believes that to be successful, prevention of losses and serious injuries from fire related incidents is the way forward. This is because if their information can enlighten the public and prevent any injuries and losses, then their success can be measured.
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On the other hand, the fire department of New Haven headed by fire chiefs is driven by the mission of contributing within their authority to improve and maintain the quality of life of haven city through these activities:
- Prevention and suppression of fire
- Emergency medical services
- Emergency management and communication
- Rescue operations
- Administration and training of the activities (Birch, 126)
Additionally, the staffs of the department are grouped into different divisions such as the administration, investigation and inspection, emergency communication, apparatus maintenance, training, emergency medical service, fire suppression, emergency management, station maintenance.
However, the two departments share some similarity. Both have support services for civil defense which includes:
- Staffing and managing the emergency operations centre
- Coordination activities of the city that fall under emergency
- Participating in the state and the federal programs of emergency planning responses.
Moreover, they operate state of art repair and apparatus maintenance facilities. Both departments are always ready to respond to any emergency whenever they are called whether it is medical emergency, fire, automobile accident and incident of hazardous materials.
City service systems and policies
The city hall of Stratford besides addressing the city’s daily business, the mayor’s office also looks into special initiatives that impact the community directly such as the civility in series of America, alert program of Stratford, the youth empowerment program of the mayor, the program of preschool readiness and the youth services bureau of Stratford among others. Bain (62) observes that the mayor’s office is a hub of dedicated professionals that uphold the quality of life to all the citizens of the Stratford city to enjoy. Moreover, the mayor’s cabinet members are also dedicated and closely work with the mayor to improve the city, create new opportunities that benefit the city of Stratford directly.
In comparison to the city Stratford, the city of New Haven has only seen one mayor since 1994. The office of the mayor has strengthened the academics in public schools, build a city center which is vibrant, has stable economic base, robust traditional cultures and values, strong neighborhoods and social tolerance (Birch, 73).
The economic policies of the city focus on two key area; Pursuit of mixed-use development and making New Haven the biotechnology economic hub, life sciences and research industries, pharmaceuticals. These key areas have been realized with much success because of the dense population in the city centre and its ranking among the top cities with lowest vacancy of commercial rates (Birch, 78).
Furthermore, around Connecticut which has 50 startups of biotech, 39 are found in New Haven is and 20 are found inside the city of New Haven. According to Birch (108), the city of New Haven boasts of vibrant economic culture social entrepreneurship that strengthens the city’s desire of developing mix –income housing and commercial corridors promotion within the neighbor hoods.
Similarly, the “street smart” developed infrastructure which is friendly to the bicyclists and the pedestrians makes the city with the most lenis for bicycles in Connecticut. Additionally, the successes of their economic policies are shown by the recovered jobs in2011 that were lost in the economic collapse of 2008 (Birch, 124)
Tax collection
The tax collector’s office in Stratford city has the responsibility of billing and collection of all the taxes in the city. These include taxes from the real estate, motor vehicle taxes, personal property taxes, sewer assessment taxes and connection fees that are owed to the city (Bain, 119).
On the other hand, in the city of New Haven, the administration office has the responsibility of for developing, improving and maintaining the financial systems of the city, practices and policies and the internal controls; to execute administrative and financial decisions in an accountable and administrative manner; to advice the fiscal board of the city and the mayor with respect to administrative and financial matter in accordance with the city of New Haven’s charter, state law , local ordinance and to give executive leadership to the divisions operating and functioning within the administration office. Furthermore, Birch (114) adds that realizing this mission is their mandate to ensure that the tax payers of Stratford benefit from prudent and sound administrative and financial management.
Work cited
Birch, D. L. (2012). Patterns of urban change: The New Haven experience. Lexington, Mass: Lexington Books.
Bain, R. (2009). Stratford. Erin, Ont: Boston Mills Press.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
History of the Jehovah Witness
Jehovah Witness is a religion that is widely known all over the world with a larger percentage of the members of the religion residing in the United States. Most members of the public would know the Jehovah witness from their door-to-door ministry of well-dressed individuals who visit people offering magazines and books for sale. Charles Russell, who was intrigued by religion and discovered the Adventist beliefs founded Jehovah witness. Russell then started bible study groups and a publishing company for religious books. His congregation commonly referred to him as Pastor Russell, then launched a Zion’s Watch Tower magazine. The group continued to grow and in 1961, they published a new Bible Translation, it was then that they decided to have their own interpretation of the Bible that did not contravene God’s laws. The name Jehovah Witnesses was drawn from the Bible in accordance with Russell’s interpretation (Agapidou, 2014).
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The Witnesses are expected to live according to the Bible, conducting missionary work. The religion has strict rules that if one goes against any of them they are disfellowshipped. For example, if one attends any other church such as Catholic, or Protestant. There is an also additional law regarding the kind of medical treatment they are to seek. If a witness receives blood or gives blood, they are to be dis-fellowshipped. When one is disfellowshipped, they are allowed to attend the Kingdom Hall services, but will not speak to anyone. In other words, they are treated as if they do not exist even with their closest family. Despite their beliefs, the Witnesses believe in earthly leadership and since it is for Satan. However, the witnesses do not are not servicemen in the military, pledge allegiance to the flag, rally for political leadership in the Unions of labor.
In health, perspectives the Jehovah witnesses are people with strong religious beliefs and do not prescribe to some forms of medical treatment. Since its inception, the religious beliefs of the Jehovah witnesses have placed emphasis on preaching rather than healing and illnesses. Even when the Millennium approached, they believed that all earth problems will come to an end especially those related to health would find a solution. To them mental illnesses, exist because people believe that they exist, it is for this reason that the Witnesses believe that half of the world’s population suffers from mental illness.
The beliefs of the Jehovah witnesses are drawn from the Bible. Therefore when approaching healthcare, the Jehovah witnesses are always determined not to go against the commandments of God. They take into consideration the biblical teachings of life both in spiritual and physical health aspects. Most of these stereotypic beliefs are drawn from their founder Russell, who believed that falling ill begun from Adam. Some of the beliefs include that Jehovah Witnesses should not operate hospitals like other Christian denominations because at some point one the founders Clayton Woodworth regarded the American Medical Association was an institution founded in ignorance and error. Additionally, Clayton as most of the staunch Jehovah witnesses does not vaccinate themselves and their family and regard vaccination as a violation of God’s laws. It was easy for these beliefs to spread since Clayton was the chief editor of the Golden Magazine that was simply a publication of his views and the official Watch Tower Publications. Despite these strong beliefs, most Witnesses of this age regard to respect for medical research, hospitals. In addition, some of them operate hospitals and are employed as physicians and doctors.
Introduction
Jehovah Witnesses’ rejection of blood transfusion is widely known, and they would rather let a family or friends die than allow transfusion or donate blood. They believe that blood is a source of life and if removed from the body even for storage is makes it dirty and should not be reused. Consequently, the members do not accept surgical procedures that involve taking away and storage of their own blood. In these beliefs children, the most affected ones since parents have the duty to make all medical decisions for their children. In addition, the members do not accept organ donation and can only accept a bloodless organ transplant. This paper shall begin by describing the beliefs of the Jehovah witness and their effect on the administration of healthcare. The paper shall then provide strategies for overcoming these beliefs and barriers to guarantee good health care for Jehovah Witnesses. The paper will have a recommendation and a conclusion section.
Jehovah Witnesses Healthcare Beliefs and how they impede receiving of Healthcare
The Jehovah Witnesses are primarily known to refuse a blood transfusion. According to the religious beliefs, one loses eligibility to enter paradise if they accept blood from another person or donate blood. Most Jehovah Witnesses carry with them a medic alert card that has instructions that prohibit blood transfusion. Additionally, they refuse healthcare procedures that may necessitate blood transfusion, for instance, heart surgeries. However, some of their members have the choice of deciding whether to accept blood or not. The law allows any adult to refuse a blood transfusion, however for children this decision is usually left to their parents and guardians. Therefore, most children from Jehovah Witness families are very likely to die since their parents will not allow blood transfusion or surgeries that may require a blood transfusion. Such incidences prompt the hospital to seek the intervention of the court to save the life of a child. The situation is usually worse if it does not reach the court in time. The blood transfusion belief is usually at the heart of most Jehovah witnesses’ families, and the conflict arises when the medical practitioners are concerned with how to manage their healthcare.
Jehovah Witnesses believe that life begins at conception. Therefore, medical procedures such as abortion are not permitted, even when the life of a mother is in danger. Since life begins at conception, terminating, a pregnancy is a sin according to the Holy Bible. Therefore, the witnesses believe that the life or right of a mother is not to be questioned to pave the way for abortion. Every pregnancy is God’s will. In one of their famous publications, Awake, abortion should not be used to control birth since it is against God’s Commands.
Another medical belief related to blood transfusion is the managing the health of pregnant women. It is a normal medical condition that some pregnant women would require additional blood for their safety and that of the baby. However, Jehovah witness pregnant women are known to decline blood transfusion even when it is threatening their lives. To Jehovah, witness blood represents life and should not be transfused.
The religious beliefs of Jehovah Witnesses do not permit them to donate their organs. They say that organs contain blood and that the Bible prohibits sharing of blood and would not let any other person’s blood flow in theirs. They also do not agree to organ transplantation unless it is on the bloodless basis. Therefore, they would advise their doctors to conduct surgery where it does not involve sharing of blood. In this case, the patient is prepared early enough, for example giving them vitamins and foods that will increase their blood content.
Sterilization is also prohibited in the Jehovah Witness religious beliefs. No reference is drawn from the Bible, however; their argument originates from an ethical perspective. They argue that if one is sterilized, they may likely change their mind and want to have children. They say that sterilization is a threat to the institution of marriage. Closely related to sterilization is contraception. The Jehovah Witness organization advice its members against accepting any contraceptive. They argue that our bodies are the temple of God and taking contraception is interfering with God’s work. To add on, they argue that contraception sometimes results in abortion, which is prohibited, in the Bible.
Surrogacy is condemned by the religion, whether one is impregnated by artificial insemination or by an embryo of the married couple. Artificial insemination and the surrogacy procedures are regarded as an abuse of marriage and matrimonial bed. Artificial insemination by an unknown donor is explained as a form of adultery.
How to overcome the health care barriers/ Beliefs
Children belong to the State, and that is the duty of the Federal Government to ensure the health of such children. Parents have a role to play in ensuring their child receives proper medical care; however when they fail to perform this role the state is supposed to interfere to save the life of a child. Members of the Jehovah witness do not allow certain medical procedures for their family. For example, as explained earlier blood transfusion is prohibited and if a terminally ill child is need of blood the decision is left to the parents. For fear of being unfellowshipped, the parents always choose not to allow blood transfusion or let their child undergo surgery requiring a blood transfusion. To overcome these challenge courts have always been called upon to rule whether or not the child should undergo the treatment. However, sometimes the decision of the courts may take a longer time. Therefore, the state should pass legislation to allow hospital superintendent to allow this treatment especially about protecting the life of a child. Members of the Jehovah Witnesses do not accept blood transfusion in accordance with their religious beliefs. However, they still want quality medical care that does not use blood transfusion procedures. Situations of medical emergencies are prone to the need to conduct blood transfusion to save the life of a patient. In particular, they refuse transfusion of blood and all blood components. It is upon the Jehovah Witness patient to decide whether to accept a blood transfusion. The religion, however, specifies various solutions, for instance, it suggests the use of normal saline, dextrin, lactated Ringer’s Solution for Jehovah Witness patients. To reduce blood loss and increase the necessity for a blood transfusion the religion advises on the use of desmopressin and aprotinin.
To ensure all the rules concerning healthcare are observed the Watchtower has created several Hospital Liaison Committees in most hospitals to ensure that the patient’s requests are respected. Since most Witnesses do not accept a blood transfusion, it is a hard task for doctors and physicians in managing such patients. Doctors, therefore are forced to understand such patients to avoid legal actions. Doctors would opt for erythropoietin combined with iron supplements that enhance hemoglobin synthesis.
Finding medical solutions to blood transfusion is an effective way of managing the health of Jehovah Witness patients. According to Partovi et al., doctors must respect the wishes of the patients and seek alternative treatment methods. In their papers, further, the hospital provides a case study of a 57-year old witness patient who was diagnosed with anemia. In their research, they recognize the United States Food and Drug Administration approved that Human erythropoietin for the treatment of anemia that is associated with chronic renal failure. They explain that erythropoietin has amino acids that stimulate the production of red blood cells. Additionally, zidovudine therapy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States for the treatment of patients with immunodeficiency virus infection, anemia, and cancer therapy. Fortunately, the Witnesses have approved the therapy as an option for blood transfusion. In the case study, we learn that it is possible to treat an anemic patient with a hemoglobin level lower than 7.5 g/DL (Partovi et al., 2013)..
For religious reasons, Jehovah Witnesses do not accept blood transfusion but accept organ transplantation. Various medical scholars have researched on how to conduct bloodless organ transplants. For example, research on a bloodless liver transplant protocol. The research conducted on Jehovah Witness patients that first underwent erythropoietin and iron therapy, which increased their Haematocrit. Seven of the patients underwent total liver transplant using the continuous circuit cell saving system and high dose aprotinin. The surgery transplant was successful since all the patients received no blood during the procedure. From the research, we find that it is possible to carry out bloodless transplant or use the patient’s blood for successful surgical procedures. The doctors were able to reduce the intraoperative need for blood products since the patients were prepared earlier for the surgery. Such procedures help in overcoming the blood transfusion barrier among Witness patients (Partovi et al., 2013).
Recommendations
This section shall provide a number of strategic recommendations on how to overcome the health challenges posed by Jehovah Witness patients. It is the constitutional right of every person to refuse unwanted medical therapies regardless of whether the decision is in line with the doctor’s medical judgment. This right to reject treatment may be exercised by the patient directly or a parent over their child. This, therefore, means a Jehovah Witness patient who clearly states that they do not want a blood transfusion, and then the physician is expected to honor this wishes even in the face of a life-threatening hemorrhage. However, in cases of medical emergencies such as treatment of sexually transmitted illnesses among minor, physicians are protected from legal action if they decide to treat a Jehovah minor. Additionally, the state is allowed to step in if the life of a minor is in danger and the only solution is for such a minor to undergo a blood transfusion.
Some states have enacted a law that allows the medical physician to treat a child or minor without the parents or guardians permission. For instance, the State of North Carolina has allowed the treatment of minors without the parents in several circumstances. For example, sexually transmitted diseases, drug abuse, pregnancy and emotional disturbance. In addition, the laws of North Carolina do not allow parents not to treat their children based on their religious beliefs. In addition, 41 states provide the exception religious beliefs, especially in child abuse cases. The department of child services is also allowed to step in and take custody of the minor if the minor is in need of medical attention, (Lindholm, 2012).
I would recommend that medical practitioners seek assistance from others in case they faced with a conflict of treating a Jehovah witness minor. In addition, they should make use of the Hospital Liaison Committees set by the Jehovah witness to oversee that the Jehovah Witness patient’s religious beliefs are not threatened.
Furthermore, more states should enact laws that protect physicians from liability in case they decide to save the life of a minor by conducting the prohibited health procedures by the Jehovah witnesses. A good example in the state of Carolina that has enacted a law that allows doctors to treat emergency medical treatment despite the parents or patients objections. The same law protects the doctors from legal action in case they choose not to honor the wishes of the parent or the patient. Such laws do not direct the action of the doctor but consider it a moral one.
Conclusion
Jehovah witnesses are very religious and follow their interpretation of the Bible to the letter. Any witness who goes against the health beliefs then they are likely to be dis-fellowshipped. Their religious beliefs are sometimes seen as a barrier to physicians when offering medical services. One of the major beliefs is that blood is life and should not be shared or transfused. It is for this reason that most Jehovah Witnesses carry with them special cards that would help the doctors know the medical procedures they would not need. In addition, there are Liaisons Committees set to ensure Jehovah Witnesses patients get the treatment they require. Jehovah Witnesses believe that organ transplantation is fine but if it involves the exchange of blood, then it should not be done. It is for this reason that most Witnesses would not undergo surgeries that may prompt blood transfusion.
There are also a growing number of bloodless surgeries that physicians are researching on; there are over hundred Medical Centers that offer this kind of treatment in the United States. Since Witnesses accept this kind of treatment, then they should not be subjected to blood transfusion surgeries since this is likely to affect their mental health. In addition, it is important to understand that the children of Jehovah Witness carry the most religious belief burden since they have mixed feelings between religious prohibitions and personal inclinations.
Communication between the patient and the medical doctor is very important to ensure that there is no conflict concerning the form of medical treatment. Recognition of the right and autonomy of every patient is the duty of every medical practitioner. For pregnant women who refuse a blood transfusion, it is important to the doctor in charge to plan alternative treatment that shall be used in the event of hemorrhage. The same applies to a patient who is supposed to undergo an organ transplant; such patients are supposed to be prepared earlier enough to ensure that no complication arises where they would be forced to need blood.
References
Agapidou, A., Vakalopoulou, S., Papadopoulou, T., Chadjiaggelidou, C., & Garypidou, V. (2014). Successful treatment of severe anemia using erythropoietin in a Jehovah Witness with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hematology Reports, 6(4), 73-74. doi:10.4081/hr.2014.5600
Lindholm, J., Palmér, K., & Frenckner, B. (2012). Long-term ECMO treatment in Jehovah’s Witness patient without transfusions. Perfusion, 27(4), 332-334. doi:10.1177/0267659112444328
Partovi, S., Bruckner, B., Staub, D., Ortiz, G., Scheinin, S., Seethamraju, H., & Loebe, M. (2013). Bloodless Lung Transplantation in Jehovah’s Witnesses: Impact on Perioperative Parameters and Outcome Compared With a Matched Control Group. Transplantation Proceedings, 45(1), 335-341. doi:10.1016/j.transproceed.2012.06.057
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
Illegal immigrants refer to individuals who enter a country or nation without genuine permission of the country or violate the terms of their admission (Haugen 15). This document focuses deeply on a sided stand with reasons on why the children of illegal immigrants should have the same educational benefits as those of citizens. Todd Rosenbaum and Thomas Friedman elaborates on their reasons why the children of the illegal immigrants should be given same education rights lie the children pf the united states citizens. Todd Rosenbaum pointed out that lawmakers in different states have unsuccessfully tried in the past to ban enrollment of the children of the illegal immigrants in higher education institutions. Moreover, the majority of them are kept out of the universities and colleges because in-state tuition is not extended to them. Furthermore, this is compounded by the federal statutes that back these discriminatory clauses by forcing any state in extending any higher education benefits to illegal students. The paper will argue in support that children of the illegal immigrants in the United States should be given the same rights in education as the children’s of the United States citizens.
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Children of the illegal immigrants just like any other child of the citizens of United States have a wealth of opportunities ahead of them which can only be achieved with good college degrees. By encouraging the readers to imagine that they are students in a university, Todd Rosenbaum, brings out the plight of the children of illegal immigrants (229). Because of laws, the children of the illegal immigrants are not allowed to attend public education institutions, and they are unable to afford the tuition fees too. This forces them to withdraw from schools and losing hope of ever achieving their dreams or getting the opportunities they dreamt of achieving one day. Therefore, these children should be given same rights in education as the children of the United States citizens such as access to educational loans, grants, in state tuitions among others. Just like Todd Rosenbaum, Thomas Friedman also begins his article by narrating a dinner party he attended where most of the 40 finalists in the Intel Science Talent search 2010 were immigrants from Asia. From his narration, the reader gets to understand why children of the illegal immigrants in the United States should be given the same rights in education as the children of the United States citizens. They should be given the same opportunities in education to attract and retain them in an orderly fashion. This way, there would be a mix of high aspiring and energetic people and this result into a world intellectual and aspirational first draft choices. He further suggest that by keeping a constant flow of immigrants into the country is the key to the United States in keeping ahead of China. This is because magic happens when there is a mix of all high aspirational and energetic people in a free market and democratic system (237).
Illegal immigrants also pay taxes like other citizens of United States therefore should also be given equal education rights like the children of the United States citizens because. According to Santana, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) indicated that the illegal immigrants collectively paid in 2010 an estimated $10.6 billion to local and state taxes. For instance, they paid more than $2.2 billion in California, $2 million in Montana (1). Averagely, from their income they pay 6.4% as taxes. Similarly, Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report in 2007 documented that that 50%-75% of the 11 million illegal immigrants in United States file and pay every year their income taxes (para 4).
The children of the illegal immigrants had no role or say in their destinies and therefore it is unfair to discriminate them by denying them educational rights. Some people will argue that why should benefits be extended to the people who have chosen to ignore the country’s immigration laws. But again, it is factual that most of these children of illegal immigrants did not make the choice of immigrating to the United States on their own. Todd Rosenbaum used an example of the commonwealth of Virginia. Few lawmakers in Virginia are applying all their effort to ensure that it is difficult for the children of the illegal immigrants to enroll in public universities and colleges in Virginia. Their chances of improving their situations are limited because in-state tuition is not extended to them. Moreover, the majority of them are barred from attending these higher education public institutions because they cannot afford it (Rosenbaum 230). The paper believes that the children of the illegal immigrants should not be discriminated by the lawmakers because of the decisions of their parents. Instead, the lawmakers should lay more emphasis on helping these young children of the illegal immigrants to acquire legal status. This also implies affording these children opportunities that will enable them to develop as responsible and productive society members. Thomas Friedman tells his story about his chat with Amanda Alonzo, a biology teacher who taught two of the finalists. Alonzo pointed out that her secret was the supportive resources from the school, grants from Intel and the supportive parents. If this could be copied by the governments, then more bright and innovative Intel finalists could be produced (237).
The supreme case ruling of 1982 that ensured that all people living in the United States should attend public and secondary schools with no regard to their legal status. Most of these students who are the beneficiary of the decision graduated from the public high schools, and were cable of even excelling in universities and colleges but unable to afford. With such educational progress, returning to their home countries is not a viable option but they should be assisted by the governments to pursue their higher education and realize their dreams (Rosenbaum 230). The argument for supporting equal educational rights is further supported by an argument by Thomas Friedman that the most important economic competition in today’s world is no longer about companies or countries, but between a person and his or her imagination. Therefore, discriminating against the illegal immigrants’ children because of their country of original in today’s world is not healthy. They should be supported and offered equal educational rights just like the United States citizens children. What the children imagine, they can act on them faster, cheaper and farther than ever before (Friedman 237).
Work cited
Rosenbaum, Todd. ‘Educating Illeal Immigrants’. Cavalier Daily 2006: 229-231. Print.
Friedman, Thomas. “America’s Real Dream Team.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 20 Mar. 2010. Web. 1 Nov. 2015.
Haugen, David M, and Susan Musser. The Children of Undocumented Immigrants. N.p., 2013. Print.
Santana, Maria. ‘5 Immigration Myths Debunked’. CNNMoney. N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Nov. 2015. < http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/20/news/economy/immigration-myths/ >
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
The play Fences, by August Wilson, is a story of a troubled African-American family living in the 1950s. Focusing on the plight of the Maxsons, a family comprised of a faithful wife (Rose), unfaithful husband (Troy), hardworking son (Cory), lazy son (Lyons) and mentally handicapped brother (Gabriel), Fences explores their lives in an attempt to show some of the trials African-American families faced during the 1950s. The central plot of the play concentrates on Troy Maxson, the alcoholic, cheating husband who is stuck living in his past baseball glory days, and his attempt to earn a living and be a successful father. Although the play revolves primarily around Troy, Troy’s wife Rose is arguably just as important to the purpose of the play, if not more. Hossein Pirnajmuddin and Shirin Sharar Teymoortash make the argument that the “spaces” in the fence Troy Maxson constructs around his house throughout the play are a metaphor for the different geographical, historical, socio-economic, racial, political, psychological, and linguistic ‘spaces’ that exist between the Caucasian and African-American people of the time period. While Pirnajmuddin and Teymoortash make a good point in pointing out the different ‘spaces’ separating the races, I believe they left out a particularly important ‘space’; gender. Gender is a ‘space’ in the play that even separates those of the same race. While Troy does experience many hardships due to his race, Rose’s aspirations were limited even more by her gender, a gender that prevented her from even considering the limited opportunities that Troy had.
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Rose’s gender ultimately determines what she can and cannot do. In the 1950s, women were restricted to domestic activities such as raising families and housekeeping. Due to the social idealogy in that period, it would be seen as strange for Rose to have a profession like the men did. Author Sheri Metzger writes in her critical essay “An Essay on Fences” that “women were restrained by traditional roles and the division of private and public spheres… women primarily functioned in the private sphere of home and domestic chores” (Metzger 1). It is this social mindset that creates a ‘space’ prohibiting Rose from ever doing more than being a housewife. This role that has been set for Rose is evident in the play when she attempts to talk to Troy while he is speaking with a friend and he simply tells her to leave, saying that “this is men talk” (Wilson 1027). By telling her that she is not allowed to talk with them, Troy is further demonstrating that Rose is merely an object, one not nearly important enough to talk to when other things are going on. Unfortunately for Rose (and all women of the 1950s), Troy’s opinion that women are unimportant is held by almost all of the male population, making it impossible for Rose to do anything more than be a housewife.
Rose’s gender forces her to stay in her role of a housewife. In Joseph Wessling’s article “Wilson’s Fences” Rose is described as a person who “personifies unconditional love” (Wessling 124). While this may be true, Rose’s gender gives her no choice but to accept whatever circumstances arise. This is because women of the 1950s were expected to side in favor of their families and husbands, even if their personal opinions differed. Rose tells Troy that at the beginning of their marriage she “took all [her] feelings, [her] wants and needs, [her] dreams … and [she] buried them inside [him]” (Wilson 1062). She is telling Troy and the audience that whatever dreams or aspirations she had were ‘buried’ away when she married Troy. As a wife, Rose’s new responsibilities were focused solely on raising a family and helping Troy. This expectation that a woman should be no more than a housewife leaves a huge gender ‘space’ in the play prohibiting Rose from striving for a better and more successful life.
Rose is forced to accept and excuse Troy when he announces that he has been cheating on her. She does not do this because she loves Troy, because she basically has nowhere else to go. In “Space in August Wilson’s Fences,” Pirnajmuddin and Teymoortash point out how August Wilson “deftly conflates two images, that of an unrepaired fence and that of Troy on the verge of physical and mental breakdown” Pirnajmuddin and Teymoortash 45). The unrepaired fence in this statement represents the irreparable damage Troy has caused to his relationship with Rose. In today’s society, if a women were to come home to a cheating husband and a bastard child, it would be perfectly fine (perhaps even recommended) if she were to divorce him and start anew. For Rose and fellow skeletal muscles. In a study conducted by (), the findings indicated that HRT improves the functions of muscles in women of the 1950s, the same cannot be said. Because of her gender, she must fulfill the role of ‘loving housewife’ that society has set up and stay with Troy. The article also speaks of Troy on “the verge of physical and mental breakdown” (45). If Troy is unable to cope with the ordeal, how must Rose feel about it? After all, it was Troy who had the affair which resulted in a baby, not Rose. If Troy was unable to handle all of the stress that accompanies the predicament he put himself in, Rose must feel even worse. However, she must carry on and fulfill the role her gender gives her or suffer the consequences of being out of the norm. It is this huge gender ‘space’ that forbids Rose from going after what she wants in life and forces her to be a wife who forgives her husband for all of his wrongdoings.
Rose is forced to assimilate into her non-subjective role as a woman. As stated earlier, the role of a woman in the 1950s was merely to be a model housewife and mother. Although skeletal muscles. In a study conducted by (), the findings indicated that HRT improves the functions of muscles in women were allowed to express their opinions, very seldom were they actually considered. This was due to the social standard of the time that men were the ones responsible for making important assessments and decisions for their families. Leslie Orr states in her essay “Gender Role Strain in Selected Plays by August Wilson” that “society expects males to perform well in these roles to be deemed a man” (Orr 1). When Rose is mad at Troy and tells him that he should’ve “stayed in [her] bed” (Wilson 1062), Troy simply continues talking about why having the affair made him feel good. He didn’t seem to care about Rose’s emotions at that point, he was simply interested in justifying the affair, telling her that he’d been “standing on first base for eighteen years” (Wilson 1062) and that he was pretty much bored with her. Rose is unable to voice her opinion effectively in the argument because Troy won’t let her. He is the ‘big man’ of the house and she basically has to accept what he says about the affair. It is this unwilling acceptance due to gender that disallows Rose to make any important decisions or voice her opinion.
Space in August Wilson’s Fences is much more than a simple gap in a fence post. It represents the geographical, historical, socio-economic, racial, political, psychological, linguistic, and gender spaces that minorities in the 1950s had to face. It is the gender ‘space’ that prohibits rose from ever following her dreams or achieving her desires. Because of the gender ‘space’ prevalent in the 1950s, “there is less opportunity for Rose to escape the pressures and responsibilities of life” (Metzger 1). The gender ‘space’ in Fences is arguably the most important boundary in the play, and is responsible for many of the hardships the Maxson breast cancer. Ann has been a staunch Christian since childhood just like the rest of her family goes through.
Works Cited
Metzger, Sheri. “”An Essay on Fences.” Drama for Students. Detroit: Gale. Literature Resource Center. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
Orr, Leslie. “Gender Role Strain in Selected Plays by August Wilson.” ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Ann Arbor, Michigan. 1997. Print.
Pirnajmuddin, Hossein, and Shirin Sharar Teymoortash. “Space in August Wilson’s Fences.” Studies in Literature and Language 3.2 (2011): 42+. Literature Resource Center. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
Wessling, Joseph H. “Wilson’s Fences.” Explicator 57.2 (Winter 1999): 123-127. Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism. Ed. Jeffrey W. Hunter. Vol. 222. Detroit: Gale, 2006. Literature Resource Center. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
Wilson, August. Fences. Backpack Literature: Second Edition. Ed. X.J Kennedy, Dana Gioia. New York: Pearson Longman, 2008. 1024-1079. Print.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
Is Google stupid?
In the recent years of internet use, Google has become part and parcel of every internet user. From students, teachers, researchers and even politicians we all resort to Google for some users. Some of the answers got are practical while others raise more questions than answers. Several writers have come up with different explanations on the topic is Google Stupid. Nickolas Carry, for instance in his article, Is Google Making us Stupid discusses the effects of Google on the attention span of students and the young because of frequent use of the internet. In his case study, Carry provides evidence to suggest that Google has affected writing and reading skills of most internet users. He suggests since the internet and Google, in particular, are the sources of information, it makes us stupid and makes Google stupid in return. This is a critical analysis of the article, Is Google making us Stupid by Nickolas Carry.
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Reading Carry’s article one notices all the information he uses is from case studies. In addition, he shares his experience using Google. He uses the case study of Bruce Friedman, who acknowledges that he has lost the ability to read and understood any papers. He blames technology for his lack of concentration. I find this argument to be compelling since in my generation we are accustomed to getting all the information from the internet. We are no longer red, books, use our experiences to make decisions. Reading is a skill that is developed over time. Generations that came before the advent of technology are better readers and writers because they did most of their reading and developed this skill. The current generation is used to instantaneous answers; this mentality is what leads to the stupidity associated with Google. Despite the fact that Google is giving us the information we can relate to we need to learn and develop both reading and writing skills and depend less on technology (Carry 3).
Google creates shortcuts for its users. It is this shortcut that results to stupidity among the same users. For example, Carry recognizes that most books, articles, and even magazines are creating shortcuts for their readers. The New York, times well-known magazine has created the last three pages of its editions to provide summaries for their readers. Carry is of the opinion that this has increased laziness. Like Carry, I believe that Google and other search engines are degrading the human brain. This is very harmful especially to the young generations. Soon the world will be full of people who do not know how to read and write; we shall have no writers shortly (Carry 4).
The internet changes the way we think. In his article Carry says he does not think as he used to since the advent of technology and internet use. He says he used to read books and lengthy articles, and he no longer does that. The internet and Google have changed his concentration span; he starts to wonder on the second and third page of any reading. He begins to look for other things to do. He is struggling to read. He admits that this might have resulted to him spending much time online. As a writer, he recognizes that the internet is Godsend to him, he no longer needs to spend much time in the library sweeping through books for his research work. He only needs to make quick Google searches. The internet is quickly becoming a universal medium. The internet has shaped the process of thoughts. At the same time taking way the ability to concentrate. Our minds are quickly expecting to take information the way the internet supplies it. A deep research nd thought is reducing every day. He says that his friend, Scott Karp confessed that he stopped reading books, and this has affected the way he thinks (Carry 5).
From the research conducted by University scholars, it is evident that the intent has changed our reading habits. In the research, it is indicated that we are reading a lot more than we did when the only technology means was the Television. He quickly adds that it is, however, a different kind of reading that comes with a different kind of thinking. Since humans are what they read the internet reading has changed us. The internet promotes a style of reading that puts efficiency and immediacy first. The kind of reading we do online makes us decoders of information; this is because, it disengages our ability to transform and understand the information without distractions. Since reading is not biological skills, we have to train our minds to read and translate the symbolism in readings. The internet affects the neural circuits in our brains. This means that the circuit developed through the reading on the internet is different from that developed by the traditional means of reading books and printed works. Carry gives the example of Nietzsche, who bought typewriter and mastered its use. This, however, affected his style of writing, he wrote in short forms. The internet has done everything for us, for example when typing few paragraphs on the computer we realize that the keyboard already makes predictions of the next word. Writing is n equipment to our thoughts, for instance, in the case of Nietzsche, his thoughts changed from arguments to puns and telegram style.
Technology use has affected in the way we express ourselves. The use of Google and other search engines effects do not end t the close of the computer screen. It changes our attitudes; the internet plays a major role in our lives than the human brain. Acknowledged by the Google Chief Executive, Eric Schmidt, the role of Google is to systematize everything. From the information searched in the Engine, the company carries out series of experiments. The experiment results then refine the algorithm that increases control on how people find information and extract the meaning from it. This means that Google is trying to control the human mind, especially through the decision-making process. The Google search engine is constantly being developed to ensure that the results obtained are exactly what the user wants.
The working of the internet suggests that our minds should operate at the same speeds the search engines. The faster we browse through the internet pages the more results and links we access. In return Google and other search engines collect this information giving us quick outputs. The companies do not want to encourage slow, leisure and thoughtful reading because his will be bad for their business. For example, when the first Gutenberg Printing Press arrived, there was worry that the easy availability of books will result in intellectual laziness would weaken our minds. Another argument was that that availability of cheaply printed books would undermine religious authority demeaning the work of scholars. The internet is replacing the printing press and introducing something new altogether. Deep reading is distinguished from deep thinking(Carry 4).
Although Carry’s article makes lots of sense, there are some benefits associated with Google. For example, Google has resulted in the equality of education all over the world. As long as one has Smartphone and a computer, they can access and use the internet improving their education skills in return. The different cultural experiences are part of learning. People have the ability to read and discuss topics. Google also offers education regarding pictures; pictures tell stories more than words. More and more people are sharing their pictures together with their experiences in different aspects of life. This education aspect is something that Carry feels to mention in his article. Sharing experiences with each other does not make us stupid, and neither does it make Google stupid.
In his article, Carry recognizes the development of writing by the Socrates and admits that writing was developed to prevent people forgetting important facts of life. Carry laments that technology tinkers his brain. I feel that the older generation like Carry’s is finding the internet difficult to use and that they find it hard to deal with the vast amount of information available on Google. The human brain does not need to change due to technology use since it is the same brain that developed the internet. He also argues that the internet will not allow intellectual vibrations; intellect development is a choice and focus. The internet users need to be responsible (Carry 6).
Conclusion
Is Google making us stupid makes valid arguments but also ignores certain benefits associated with Google use. The internet is everywhere, and much more advances are being made to increase its efficiency. Google use has affected and changed our reading skills and has affected with our train of thoughts. It is less possible to concentrate on an internet article than printed book. The increased easy access to summaries has also increased laziness especially among students and writers. Internet reading has introduced a new kind of reading that is slowly affecting the way we think. Carry uses evidence from reach conducted to explain the fact that Google is making us more stupid.
However, Carry forgets that there are good things associated with Google use. The main purpose of technology is to make easy life n efficient. Carry explains that he is not the only one being affected by technology use. He uses studies on the internet behavior suggesting that internet use contributes to the way we think. His arguments re even more credible because he uses the sources to explains his arguments. Further, he suggests that Google, for instance, use the search results to create more results that would appeal to the human mind. In this regard he says humans are going to be like machines posing the question to the reader about the future of the human mind and knowledge. It is possible to read and lose our concentration on printed text, instead of wasting so much time, why not search for a summary of the reading this is where Google steps in, it provides us with such summaries. Google use has also increased our education and increased easy access to education. People from all walks of life have the ability to discuss different topics online. At the same time the ability to share pictures sharing their life experiences.
Works Cited
Carr, Nicholas. “Is Google Making Us Stupid? (Cover Story).” Atlantic 302.1 (2008): 56-63. Academic Search Complete. Web. 18 Nov. 2015
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | Feb 24, 2023 | Essays |
Introduction
Fences is a play that was written by the 1950’s famed writer Wilson August. The play revolves around a middle aged father who is in the day to day struggle of providing for his own family. Day to day, the father faces challenges of work and lack of sufficient resources to provide for his own children. Troy in the past was an excellent baseball player, one whom it is implied would have been great had he been of a different race. The play is set in an era when the African American was not considered so successful. Therefore, even though his talent would have brought him fame and fortune in the major leagues, he does not get the chance.
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Troy during the middle of the play begins to have an affair which results in the birth of his daughter Raynell. Alberta, his lover however dies during child birth and Troy’s wife opts to adopt the happy girl. Several these have arisen from this short play, with many writers especially revolving on the theme of racism. However, (Wooden 123 ) opts and analyzes a new theme, one that has been rarely considered. This is the fences that Troy has developed around his own role of fatherhood. There have been articles written on the topic of the play, which is fences. The play itself has nothing to do with actual fences which are not even mentioned in the play. However, fences seems to be a symbolic topic with regard of what to expect from the play itself. However, few articles and criticisms have focused on the role of troy as a father and the challenges he encounters and limits he builds upon himself with the same role.
Role of Fatherhood in the Play
Troy and Lyon: the first encounter we have of troy as a father is in the scene when Lyon comes to borrow money from his father. The amount may seem meagre by today’s standards but $10 in that era and with the amount troy is earning as a garbage collector. During this scene we see Troy’s disapproval of the choices that Lyon has made. Even with the promise that he would return his money, Lyon is met with a resistant wall. In fact during the play, troy is quite harsh in refusing the loan. (Wooden 124) shows that this is unexpected. The son seems to think that like all fathers, his father will be delighted to give him the loan. The refusal therefore comes as a shock. It seems that troy does not believe in providing any assistance to his children. Is children are expected to struggle much in the same way as he has himself. Children are expected to find their own way in life without any assistance from their father. However, Troy is not as mean as this writer has put him out to be. Despite refusing to give the money at first, when persuaded by his wife he is more than happy to loan Lyon the money. He may have his own doubts about the payment, even doubts about the career of his own son and the decisions that he makes but he still loans him the money. This is indeed a sacrifice considering that he is not earning much himself h is struggling to make any ends meet but he makes the sacrifice on behalf on his own son as a father.
Troy and Gabriel: Gabriel is one of Troy’s sons who does not feature much in the play. In fact, we only hear of him in reference to the money for purchasing the house. Gabriel was in the military as one gathers from the play and during this time, he was severely injured and left traumatized, and he now lives at home at the care of his own parents. Gabriel received some money from the military in lieu of his injury. The money which is mentioned in the first act was what was used to purchase the house which the family lives in. while (Wooden 124) states that the purchase of the house was indeed a selfish move. He suggests that the money could have been used for treatment of Gabriel or simply in the interest of Gabriel. However, it is clear that Troy indeed cares for his own son, because he does not blow the money on cars or luxuries for himself but instead purchases a home ensuring his so care for his whole family.
Troy and Cory: this is the most explored fatherhood relationship in the play. Cory is talented in baseball, perhaps even more than his own father. Cory has a dream to pursue a career in sports. However, his father vehemently refuses to give him that chance to even start a career. It is to be remembered that the only baseball troy was able to play was while in prison. The problem therefore comes when his son is completely set I undertaking and making a career out of his own talent. The father and son, have a major argument with the father completely refusing to bulge in his decision. Since he is inconsistent, perhaps even using hostile language in his anger, Troy ends up throwing out his own son. According to (Wooden 123) an ideal father would support his son despite the personal feelings that he has against his sons choices. In supporting him, he would ensure that his own son has a secure environment through which he can explore his goals and desires. Refusing to support his own and ultimately throwing him out is indeed the biggest betrayal of troy.
However, this may not be exactly true. Troy is not refusing because of personal feelings, he is not jealous of his son as many others have suggested. In the past when troy realized he had talent, he attempted to take part in baseball professionally. He sort out teams and perhaps attempted to show off what he had, that is talent. However, all he received was hatred and racism because of the color of his skin. Simply because he was black, he had some negative experiences in that world. It is for his reason that he tells his best friend, he will not allow his son to enter the world of baseball. He is afraid of the hatred his sign will encounter in the pursuit of a career in sport. Discrimination will not occur because he lacks talent or is short of charisma but simply because he is black. Therefore, even though he is proud of his son, he would rather lose him than allow him to enter a world where his protection will not be sufficient. He does all this for the good of his son.
Troy and Raynell: Raynell is the daughter of Troy, a product of the affair he had with Alberta. The young girl is orphaned during birth. In itself, the act of adultery as per (Wooden 125) shows a weakness in his role of fatherhood. He also seems to be unaware of the pregnancy until he is informed of the birth of his own daughter. He also does not seem to be psychologically prepared for his role as a father. He has not planned how the young girl will fit into the family. It is only when his wife offers that he accepts to take her own as his daughter and that of Rose. However, this writer seems to completely ignore the final scene where Raynelle is seen hopping and prancing around like a content, happy little girl who has no worry in anything. This means that he has received sufficient attention, love and care from Troy in the seven years preceding his death.
CONCLUSION
(Wooden 123) seems bent on portraying Troy as a poor father, who not only lacks in resources but also in his own ability to sufficiently care for his children. He seems to imagine that Troy is lacking in the emotions that make an ideal father. However, it can be seen that all of Troy’s actions are designed to support and show love for his children. In fact at the final scene during his funeral, his wife carefully states that he may have been stubborn and bullheaded but despite it all he was a man who loved his son. Troy therefore may have been poor in expressing himself, but he is indeed a good father in the standards of society.
Work Cited
Wooden, Isaiah M. “Fences (review).” Theatre Journal. 63.1 (2011): 123-125
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
