Audiences are not only entertained Essay Example for Free

Audiences are not only entertained Essay For centuries, drama has acted as a mirror for culture and society. Through the power of dramatic form, we have been invited to be entertained yet also engaged in the social concerns, which can both be provocative and surprising. Both Stolen by Jane Harrison and A Beautiful Life by Michael Futcher and Helen Howard address contemporary social concerns and issues in Australian society. Stolen employs dramatic styles, techniques and conventions to portray the social issues caused by the stolen generation. On the other hand, A Beautiful Life again employs dramatic styles, techniques and conventions to portray the unforgettable story of a refugee family who escaped the hardships of Tehran Jail, only to find themselves suffering racism and injustice in the High Court of Australia. Stolen addresses the Stolen Generation and the social concerns surrounding the impact of individuals and the Indigenous community. Harrison splits up the action between five diverse characters, tracing their independent stories from childhood to adulthood. We have the sexually and physically abused (Ruby); the hopeful turned hopeless (Jimmy); the stolen child who in turn has her children stolen from her (Shirley), the lost (Sandy) and the black girl in a white mans world (Anne). In a workshop of the opening scene, Arriving (pg. 1) in which the characters speak in the stream of conscious style the difference in what each actor produced to portray their particular character was very noticeable. Harrisons use of a wide breadth of characters is effective in reflecting the broad spectrum of social concerns the Stolen Generation faced: physical, sexual and mental abuse, I promised not to tell (Ruby: pg. 8); high suicide and depression rates, I cant fight (Jimmy: pg. 34); cultural loss, Who do you think you are? (Voices: 29); loss of belonging, Always on the run (Sandy: pg. 3) and loss of family, This time Im going to hold my baby and never let go (Shirley: 2). Stolen uses absurdist techniques, including a non-linear and episodic plot  structure and undefined place and time to convey the disconnection and lost culture that has resulted within the Indigenous community as a result of the Stolen Generation. The dialogue closely follows the conventions of spoken language creating a sense of realism to the audience, to emphasis the fact that these events did happen and cannot be reversed. One of the most typical techniques with Stolen is the use of monologues. The experiences of each child are portrayed through these monologues the delivery indicates how these experiences are traumatic and a fundamental part of their psyche that is not easily spoken about through normal conversation. Through a class workshop I was able to watch a class mate act Jimmys monologue Racist Insults'(pg. 33-34). I found this scene particularly engaging because we are not only watching a young man end his life, but we watch a fraction of how our White Australians treated the Indigenous. The audience gets a first hand view of the racism and abuse copped by most Indigenous Australians, this scene shines a direct light on the hardships we put forward onto our Indigenous and why a whole culture is missing from our nation. While Stolen deals with how we treat our Indigenous, A Beautiful Life cover the social issues surrounding refugees and the ignorance of Australian people regarding human rights. This play covers the period when 5000 Mojahedin freedom fighters were killed by Irans government regime. The play interweaves the experiences of Hamid: his torture in jail in Tehran and witnessing human rights abuses before making a dramatic escape to Australia; and his arrest and trial following a protest outside of the Iranian Embassy in Canberra in 1992. Hamid, his wife Jhila and their son Amir who represent refugee culture are represented in the court by Australian lawyers Brendon OSullivan and Stephanie James. Both present the Australian culture as being ignorant bloody Arabs (pg. 21), racist a bunch of Muslim fanatics (pg. 7) and stereotypical ranting bloody slogans to Allah (pg. 7). Futcher and Howard emphasis the un-empathetic nature, stereotypical and racist culture of Australians through Stephanie and Brendan. Amir (Hamids son) makes the perfect narrator as he grows and develops through the play from a young Iranian boy into a 20 year old Iranian/Australian who can believable comment on both countries. The character of Amir has humour Shes Irish, she can get really angry (pg. 41), compassion, Its all  right, Mum (pg.11) and a desire to tell the story of his Iranian/Australian family, What about the Boltons, Dad? (pg. 13). Brechtian techniques such as the used of a non-linear and episodic storyline, as well as historification and the breaking of the forth wall (through Amir) give insight into contrasting cultures and systems of justice. The use of performance styles, such as physical theatre, engage the audience so that the play has heighten reality: allowing the audience to follow Hamid, through the racism, prejudice and his lack of human rights. The use of dramatic dialogue allows the characters in A Beautiful Life, persuade, argue, threaten, provoke and inspire the audience. Language techniques include the use of the Farsi accent or clipped tone to lend authenticity to the Iranian feel of the text and of course to show the reactions of Australians represented by Brendan and Stephanie when the characters speak their mother tongue. I first encountered the use of the accent when acting the character of Jhila in _SCENE FIVE,_ I feel as an actor that use of accent does add authenticity and a sense of realism throughout the scenes making it easier for the audience to connect with the character rather than the actor. Through the power of dramatic form, we have been invited to be entertained yet also engage in the social concerns explored throughout Stolen and A Beautiful Life. Through the performance of scenes in workshop activities and in-depth study of both texts, I have come to understand the styles, form and conventions Harrison, Futcher and Howard use to convey their points of view. Whilst Stolen uses absurdism to portray the social issues caused by the stolen generation, A Beautiful Life uses Brechtian techniques to portray the unforgettable story of a refugee family who escaped the hardships of the pain and suffering caused by the Stolen Generation on both the personal and societal side Tehran Jail, only to find themselves suffering racism and injustice in the High Court of Australia. On a final note both composers worked well using dramatic forms, techniques and conventions to engage the audience to understand the social concerns explored in the plays.

Hybrid Model of Crisis Intervention

Hybrid Model of Crisis Intervention Frances Roulet   Analysis case study: Vignette. In the process applying the six step model of crisis intervention in this case, the soldier deployed back home without no type of psychological and social support from the military system or his family. Therefore, there was no prior assessment before sending the soldier back home, and no assessment in understanding the problem itself (James Gilliland, 2013). The process of deployment when reintegrating a soldier back home becomes a major issue in mental health. According to Doyle Peterson (2005) soldiers that have been life threatening warzone when they are allowed to return home, and they are happy to return and see their families and friend, present problems difficulties in adjusting back to their community environment. This veteran soldier which arrived to his hometown, and who was never received by his family members because the military department in charge failed to notify his family and wife. Once he arrived to his hometown and faced the feeling of confusion and loneliness by not having family or military support. Even though, researchers such as, Demers (2011) acknowledge the struggles that these soldiers confront and develop symptoms of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, [PTSD] symptoms and even suicidal thoughts when they are returning back home. Demer (2011) indicated that for a number of soldiers, the reintegration process becomes a challenge which might include a crisis of identity and feelings of alienation. Although, one of the first elements in contacting the person is the client’s name and introducing themselves in a non-threatening manner. The soldier caught by surprise every single person at his children school. Subsequently, the immediate response was to search safety and manage to call the Police Department as well as, the mother of the children to provide enough information in order to first secure the children and, then attempting to make any type of contact with the soldier and making him think he had control over the situation. Even if this was a momentary situation of the crisis. Once the safety of the children was ensured, as well as, the rest of the people; there is a need to continue assessing the possibility of physical and psychological danger to the soldier as well as to others. Wherefore, the assessment and ensuring of safety becomes a continuous part of the process of the crisis intervention (James Gilliland, 2013). While maintaining an open communication with the soldier in the process of crisis, support may be given allowing the soldier to ventilate his emotions, but also can be an instrumental and informational for the first responders (James Gilliland, 2013). Hoge, Lesikar, Guevara, Lange, Brundage, Engel, Orman, Messer (2002) explained that they consider that the risks factors of mental health problems, such as major depression, substance abuse, PSTD among others, may be presented after military conflicts, deployment stressors and exposing soldiers to combat, and, may produce an impairment in social functioning along with the ability to work; therefore, increase the use of health care services. Demer (2011) also indicated that these additional stressors can have a negative effect when military deployment occur when soldiers returns home and are not follow-up properly. For most of these soldiers, additional stressors, become a major difficulties and even distressing experience instead of a welcomed relief. One of the consequences of this distressing experience is the intense identity crisis, when military discharge occurs (Demer, 2011). In analyzing this case, the soldier could have presented psychological challenges when he was deployed to warzone, and as an immigrant in a different culture (home and host culture), he could have presented an acculturative stress. This generated a negative impact and reaction in the soldier which lead him to an identity crisis and mental health problem (Berry, Kim, Minde Mok, 1987). Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs explains different levels of needs that humans portrays. In a crisis intervention one of the first things to assure is the physiological needs, such as water, food, among other. The person will only be focusing on his or her survival. Nevertheless, security also becomes one of the most vital element when we are facing a crisis intervention. In this particular case, the soldier maintained his children and wife life’s threatened and also had the school personnel and coworkers of his wife. In fact, he killed several people in the process of his crisis. The soldier neglected taking care of his own security needs, referring to those things that the individual feels safe of harm. For example, belonging to the community as a member, therefore, protection is given just because the person belongs to this community group. Another vital need within this hierarchy, is the social needs as a human beings. This need encompasses companionship, love and affection. Once again, the soldier of this case, upon his arrival to his hometown confronted by the absentee of his wife and children and lack of support from the military system could not managed the transition of his deployment back home. This circumstances, detonated a crisis which lead to a fatal outcome for everyone. According to Phillips, LeardMann, Gumbs Smith (2010) when a person is exposed to combat, and have constant threats of death or witness to it, serious injury or witness to it become significant risk factors for screening positive for postdeployment PTSD among soldiers as well as, violence exposures prior entering the infantry. Hoge, Castro, Messer, McGurk, Cotting, Koffman (2004) explained that soldiers and marines presented new onset PTSD after returning from combat several months later. These investigators explained that in their study a 7.6% was revealed with probable new onset PTSD. In the soldier case, he definitely was presenting new onset symptoms for PTSD because he felt confused, abandoned without support and no communication. There is a probability that he might have been impacted and presented symptoms of PTSD before being deployed to Vietnam, and returned traumatized with his experience in Vietnam. References Berry, J. W., Kim, U., Minde, T., Mok, D. (1987). Comparative studies of acculturative stress. International Migration Review, (21): 491–511. Demer, A. (2011). When veterans return: The role of community in reintegration. Journal of Loss and Trauma, (16): 160-179. Doyle, M. E., Peterson, K. A. (2005). Re-entry and reintegration: Returning home after combat. Psychiatric Quarterly, 76(4): 361-370. Hoge, C., W., Lesikar, S., E., Guevara, R., Lange, J., Brundage, J., F., Engel, C., C., Orman, D., T. Messer, S., C. (2002). Mental Disorders among US military personnel in the 1990s: Association with high levels of Health care utilization and early military attrition. American Journal Psychiatry, 159: 1576-1583. Hoge, C., W., Castro, C., A., Messer, S., C., McGurk, D., Cotting, D. I. Koffman, R., L. (2004). Combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, mental health problems, and barriers to care. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(1): 13-22. James, R. Gilliland, B. (2013). Crisis Intervention Strategies. (7th Edition). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. Phillips, C. J., LeardMann, C. A., Gumbs, G. R., Smith, B. (2010). Risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder among deployed US male marines. BMC Psychiatry, 10(1): 52.

Effects Of Globalization On Cultures Cultural Studies Essay

Effects Of Globalization On Cultures Cultural Studies Essay With the economic, cultural and scientific development, globalization has also been greatly affected in these areas. The impact of globalization, peoples life and spiritual have great changes. Globalization process is irreversible, it is a necessary progress of human civilization and has important meaning, which is largely positive. However, there are also many negative effects that cannot be ignored. More evident in the culture, so we cannot allow free development of globalization, we need to retain our own national cultural characteristics, and cannot blindly follow. Design should preserve and promote cultural identity, because this is not only an economic issue, but more of a psychological impact to interior design. For example, we can use the design elements of their characteristics, to make these things integrate into society and more easily be accepted, to better meet peoples spiritual needs. Introduction Globalization is evidence since 1980s, with increasingly prominent in the world, a new phenomenon and that is the basic feature of the present era,. Globalization is our one of the most current topic of discussion, whether you are willing or not, it will affect you on your daily life or you jobs. Under the influence of globalization, we will find that the world is really getting smaller, information about people, economy, and cultural aspects are moving toward globalization. How can we not chase it and shares with the crowd? It has brought us too much influence, which of course has its good and bad aspects in it, we cannot follow or duplicate, it must have its own characteristics, especially in the design, should kept in their original culture and finding a goal to move forward to. 1 Analysis 2.1 The globalization effects in the culture Globalization is an objective development of human civilization process which result from the development of human society and civilization development. The process of globalization has greatly driven the development of global social productive forces, promoted the progress of human civilization. People need to calm down and think about the process of globalization on human civilization that is positive and negative effects arising. Strength of Western civilization led to globalization, many developing countries and regions to enjoy the civilization of Western science and technology while faced with the loss of the local cultural characteristics, as well as the risk of national culture. In addition to the positive effects of globalization, beyond the negative effects cannot be ignored, especially on the impact of Asian culture. Especially the impact on China even cannot be ignored. Globalization has accelerated Chinas economic development, but behind the development, the problems are evident. For example, the rapid development of rural areas have become urbanized, traditional architecture and culture under the influence of globalization because they have been making extensive damage instead of protecting them. A lot of traditional architecture has not been repaired due to their inexistence, those traditional cultural festivals have become very isolate is one example. In China there are many cultural festivals, with the involvement of Western culture, festivals, more and more Chinese people enjoy Western holidays, such as Christmas, Valentines Day, while the traditional Chinese festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.. are increasingly be ing left out. With less and less festive atmosphere, if it continues this way is bound to let go of traditional culture, it will be disappeared. Different Cultural in the worlds current characteristics of as exchange and dialogue, if under the influence of globalization with all the same culture, this world would be impossible to develop, and cultural needs of a variety of colors, guiding peoples lives in interior design course, we should keep this point of view, design changes out life, orientation of people, therefore I think that maintaining our own cultural characteristics, in the interior design is also very important. Many people have realized that globalization has brought in many unfavorable factors, and they have already begun to protect those cultural heritages. But as a major power, the Eastern China were lagging behind to many Western. They have long been protecting those old buildings. In 2 addition to those countries we can also see the Russian countryside, and in many rural areas, we do not see a lot of modern architecture being preserved, many places are not very much affected by globalization. This is what many countries would need to learn. The historical cultures and traditions that is being left behind by the ancestors, our future generations should understand and respect those certain awe, the same reasons for as in why we had the Dragon Boat Festival to commemorate Qu Yuan. Traditional culture is the valuable legacy of our Chinese ancestors, those who recorded the history of the text, which reveals the tolerance of the protocol, those who disseminated the teachings of truth, each is worth the same pride of China. It is often questioned whether everyone had inherited and carry forward the lineage of ancestors? When fashion trends spread, we are not paying homage to the Western custom of vulgar cultural fascination with madness, but we should learn to inherit Chinese tradition and absorb its teachings and philosophy. Many people now consider only the immediate economic interests of the various types of construction are operating together for commercial purposes, and they did not take it into considerations of the cultural impact. Nowadays, a growing number of urban people yearning for a more quiet and comfortable life, and often make use of holidays as break time and to relax. The sake of our future in this increasingly urban life can find solace in a spiritual place, we cannot be take into the economic interests at the same time on our cultural life. 2.2 communicate with culture into design With the acceleration of human civilization, human productivity, modern design is very active in all aspects of human life. Materials are relatively abundant, the quality of life people are increasingly high in demands, so design has to meet the peoples material needs and emotional needs, should the heavy responsibility to improve the quality of human life. Prominent feature of modern design is people-centered, attention to human needs and meet functionality, people may enjoy modern design with happiness and relaxation. Building and construction technology have constantly been improving very quickly over the years, new building is being constantly rising. The beauty of public space needs to reflect the cultural connotation, because today people have to spend most of the time to the use of public spaces. The beauty of public space, we need a complete plan, rich in content, aesthetic and noble Chinese 3 elements into the planning and design of public spaces which are a surging trend. Public space is an architectural core. For the movement of people the public space is a hub; for the use function that is a distribution point; for the spatial form that is an expression of architectural character. Eating space as a kind of public space, it occupied a very large place. Take restaurants interior design as an example, under the influence in a globalized economy, there has been a variety of fast-food restaurants such as McDonalds, KFC, etc.., in these restaurants all over the world interior design are the same, I do not want to say that kind of restaurant is bad, but in such a large environment, people tend to feel less comfortable and cozy in the place. The design of a good restaurant should provide enjoyment in the pursuit of economic interests, but also can reflect the colorful side, so the design of my restaurant, I will focus on peoples senses integrated into some of the traditional Chinese elements. Because in the context of Chinas history, it has deeper understanding of cultural life, but also a very good expression in interior design, the use of these things combined with traditional Chinese culture course, to achieve a balance which is moderation between culture and spaces. With the faster and faster of the modern life, western simple style impact on clothing, food, and other aspects. Also in the interior design, it has become a popular trend, but a kind of Chinese elements as part of our culture and tradition should be inherited. In the design of domestic and foreign, Chinese elements began to more and popular in the design concept. We can see many things used of Chinese element as usually in our daily life. The catering industry is an important part of public areas, it has very close connection to peoples lives, Eating food environment have a direct impact on peoples mood if it bad or good and, so I think why not joining the elements of national and the culture together in to the eating environment, so that it will be more grand. Because diet is also a culture, different countries have their own different food culture, under the influence of globalization, various fast food become very popular, We cannot deny that the various business opportunities brought by economic globalization, as the restaurants is moving forward for the purpose of commercial competition, if they can combine their own national characteristics, to create a dining environment more suitable to modern life, and which is most conducive to the long-term future development. Here are two examples to illustrate the traditional culture and environment, the combination of eating produce a better situation. The first case is a restaurant in Hong Kong, named OVOlogue.To restaurant, preserve and reuse the ground floor of the Cantonese verandah shop house built in 19th century,OVO endeavors to convert it into a chic and contemporary looking estery. OVOlogue, a fusion of OVO and dialogue, is a traditional Chinese restaurant filling the air with taste, art and heritage. Through interior design and selective artworks with unique characters, it successfully blends in history and modern Asian art into dining experience. OVOlogue coincides perfectly with the east-meets-west, tradition-meets-modern flavor. Another restaurant called shi shan xuan. East-meet-West is the design concept of this project. The space contains reception area, dining area and balcony etc. The design seeks to preserve and renovate the traditional Chinese style. Grey is the colour of Chinese characteristics and it dominates the dining area. The austere texture of hewn stone and the feminine quality of dining table create vivid contrasts. Interactive layers make for a unique and intimate spatial relationship. Natural lights are introduced in to the dining area and with austere and understated decorations, the interior and the exterior are perfectly integrated. The design represents peopleà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s willing of returning to nature and simplicity, as well as the peaceful and elegant lifestyle. 2.3 relating to design concept Recently, people abandon the illusion of fanaticism, longing for a comfortable life. Especially when people want to get away from the spinning of the world that only brings anxiety and fear, the ancient elements have a mysterious power that gives us the tranquility and calmness, and Sometimes it may not be recognized that the culture of the external forces have so powerful and deep to ones heart.The doctrine of the mean was the most faithful vision along the years in Chinas philosophy of life. The new generation try to achieve a balance between modern and classic that is also an art. Now I will combine the arts of this balance to my restaurants design concept, the use of cultural and natural to achieve this balance and coordination. This balance into the design is not only for aesthetics, but more importantly is to make the dining environment that changes peoples state of mind to be relaxed and enjoyable mood. 3. Conclusion Interior design development to a variety of styles has been the coexistence of diverse age, the 21st century interior design will be in the context of globalization, with a variety of styles. Many new ideas will come in at the same time, consumers are able to accept the different style, people will accept a variety of angles comprehensive design of various forms and styles, not just understand the simple meaning of a simplification. To truly comprehend the fine traditional culture of their own, only through the fusion of globalization, culture and design to compare the essence of the approach to international action, to give the design with a true national significance and quality. We will truly grasp the so-called The more national, the more global that we all know the profound meaning of the design concept. From the international point of view, understanding again, emphasized the concept of nation in the impact of globalization, but also to seek common ground while reserving differ ences, develop and retain something of national culture

The Last of the Mohicans Essay -- essays research papers

The Last of the Mohicans   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In James Fenimore Coopers' book, The Last of the Mohicans, we find a classic story set in the 1700's. During this time, the war between the French and English is raging, complicated by an additional contention between the Mohican Indians and the Huron Indians. The location is in the area of Lake George in the Hudson Valley,somewhere between New York and Canada. The theme of this book is a conflict between civilization and savagery, each being personified in both the whites, the Indians, and in nature itself. The author seems to be showing the truth of human nature: that there is a fine line between acting in a civilized manner and giving in to the primitive urge to totally destroy other human beings. The ruggedness of the region provided a similar conflict with man. At times, it was beautiful, sheltering, protecting, and nourishing the characters with food and water. At other times, it was obviously wild and untamed bringing danger and aiding in destruction.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There were many prominent characters in the book. These include Chingachgook and his son, Uncas, who are the last remaining Mohicans and the protagonists of the story. Another was Hawk-eye, who is a white man raised from birth by Chingachgook. Major Duncan Hayward is an officer with the English military who is assigned to transport two sisters from Fort Edward to their father at Fort William Henry. The antagonist, or dominant enemy, of the story was Magua, a Huron Indian who was a leader of his people and was driven by the traditional savagery of his tribe.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story begins with Major Hayward preparing to carry out his orders to transport Alice and Cora Monroe to their father, General Monroe, at Fort William Henry. In order to make the journey safely he hired a guide familiar with the area to lead the party through the treacherous territory. Unknown to him, his guide, Mage, had a plan to entrap them by leading them to the Huron's where they would surely be killed. As they pressed on through thick forests and deep rivers, they came upon a psalmist named David Gumet sitting beside the path. Gumet was a pleasant person and a gifted singer who had lost his horse and his provisions. They encouraged him to join them for his own safety. Shortly down the path, the Mohicans ambushed them with th... ...e bargained with Magua, Uncas tried to sneak up on him. Magua saw him and killed Cora. Uncas leaped on Magua trying to pull him down, but Magua stabbed Uncas multiple times killing him. Hawk-eye took his gun and shot Magua, causing him to fall down the steep mountain cliff to his death. After joining back together for a ceremony, the story comes to an abrupt end as they all went their separate ways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Overall, the book was enjoyable to read because there was constant adventure and it was full of surprises. Cooper seemed to highlight the strength of the friendships between the characters throughout the book and how they were able to overcome adversity. The only Christian character in the story was David Gumet, who played a minor part. The story portrayed a definite secular worldview, particularly with the constant violence and the spiritual practices of the Indians. The wording was, at times, difficult toread and the author had a tendency to jump back-and-forth between characters and situations. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to others because it was adventurous and not boring. I found it difficult to put down once I started reading it.

Essay --

Rodrigo CÃ ©sar is the cancer that grows within Rodrigo Ferreira. From the sculptural craft based tradition where very little space was left for new ideas and approaches to the mediums used (sand, ice, snow, wood, stone, among others), that Ferreira was involved with for over eleven years; CÃ ©sar lifts the veil and crawls outside into this ‘world’ he didn’t born in but grows in. CÃ ©sar comes to be rupturing with this set of skills and knowledge of Ferreira’s mainly practical past, but as well strong visual ‘media’ based experience, in a constant search for what’s ahead in the distance, passing thru the dark with his arms stretched, palpably towards the uncertain. Currently working in a variety of media, his practice spans into installation, performance, video and sound. With the use of found objects and materials detoured from their route and extracted from a day-to-day context. CÃ ©sar challenges and questions, with the use of juxtaposition and appropriation of the symbols carried within the collected objects, in the shape of a site responsive installation, the logic of a capitalist c... Essay -- Rodrigo CÃ ©sar is the cancer that grows within Rodrigo Ferreira. From the sculptural craft based tradition where very little space was left for new ideas and approaches to the mediums used (sand, ice, snow, wood, stone, among others), that Ferreira was involved with for over eleven years; CÃ ©sar lifts the veil and crawls outside into this ‘world’ he didn’t born in but grows in. CÃ ©sar comes to be rupturing with this set of skills and knowledge of Ferreira’s mainly practical past, but as well strong visual ‘media’ based experience, in a constant search for what’s ahead in the distance, passing thru the dark with his arms stretched, palpably towards the uncertain. Currently working in a variety of media, his practice spans into installation, performance, video and sound. With the use of found objects and materials detoured from their route and extracted from a day-to-day context. CÃ ©sar challenges and questions, with the use of juxtaposition and appropriation of the symbols carried within the collected objects, in the shape of a site responsive installation, the logic of a capitalist c...

The Effects of Slavery on African-Americans

Slavery obviously had no small affect on the lives of millions of African-Americans in America. Both the North and South had strict rules on how the race was placed in society, rules that placed them far beneath any social class in America. It could be said that even free slaves, could never actually be â€Å"free† due to a complete lack of social equality granted by the American Government. Blacks were treated as something less than a human being, something like a product; this product was sold and traded around the country, and was the basis of the entire country's economy.Working in the fields from dusk to dawn not only hindered African-American's physically, but also exhausted them in the social and mental aspects of life. Slavery affected the lives of African-Americans in the South and the North by hindering them socially, mentally, and physically. Socially, African-American's were at the complete bottom of the list. Even the backwoods, workless â€Å"hillbillies† who lived nearly as harsh of lives as the African-Americans did were well above the slaves in social aspects.African-Americans in the South were completely deprived of any sort of education, including the simple knowledge of reading and writing. Black schools in the North were much despised, in one case, a school dedicated to the teaching of African-Americans was drug into a pond by a group of local whites. Blacks, horribly mistreated had virtually no legal rights, and could not even testify against a white person in court. This meant that no matter how brutally a slave was beaten, he could not do a thing about it.The â€Å"free† blacks had little freedom also, and were treated as a kind of â€Å"third race† in society. These people were essentially slaves still, only without a master. Secondly, African-Americans were hindered very much in the mental aspect. Blacks had no hope of social mobility in their country and recognized this. This, to many blacks became a degrad ing truth. They also felt deprived of their dignity and responsibility in the world. Knowing all of these depressing truths, many blacks esentially gave up and stopped putting so much effort into their role in society.Thus began the stereotype of the â€Å"lazy† African-American, who did just enough to get by, or purposely destroyed machinery in hopes of dodging work. Treatment of blacks within the family varied, some blacks in the upper South were treated as family while blacks in the deep South were whipped and branded on a regular basis. Lastly, the most apparent type of abuse that the African-Americans had to deal with was the physical abuse. Blacks toiled in the fields of cotton from dusk to dawn during their long work days.Masters were allowed to punish their slaves as they pleased, allowing them to whip their slaves if they weren't pleased with their effort. The Government offered no real type of protection to slaves due to the law that forbidded any African-American t o testify against a white in court. Even African-Americans that were finally free had to fear that they may be recaptured at any moment, and they could do nothnig about it. In the North, blacks were definitely a rare race. The blacks that were seen were discriminated against significantly, some blacks weren't even allowed entrance to certain states!In conclusion, African-Americans were placed at the pit of society throughout the 19th century. They had virtually no rights, and were worked tirelessly for a lifetime. African-Americans were not only exhausted by physical work, but they were also beaten in the mental and social aspects. Blacks almost always kept hope, and used the idea of being a free black as motivation, though this third race didn't have such a well-off life either. Slavery affected the lives of African-Americans in the South and the North by hindering them socially, mentally, and physically.

Child Sexual Abuse: A Review of the Literature Essay

Abstract Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Approximately there are 3 million reports of CSA in the United States every year involving nearly 6 million children. CSA take place across ethnic and cultural lines, in all socioeconomic levels, all levels of education and within all religions. Numerous adverse effects correlate with CSA some examples include, anxiety, avoidance depression, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and promiscuity. In the present paper, research in the role of psychological distress in women with history of CSA reviewed to gain a understanding depression , high risk sexual activity nature of the trauma , obstacles in relationships, possessing negative beliefs and attitudes towards others, psychological effects, psychopathology. The following literature review attempts to establish and support CSA association with psychological, emotional and physical behaviors in adulthood. Continuous studies of sexually abused c hildren and treatment outcomes are essential. Keywords: Child sexual abuse, anxiety, avoidance depression, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, promiscuity Child Sexual Abuse Survivors of CSA often suffer from adverse psychological distress from CSA, long after the abuse has ended. Adult survivors are at increased risk of having of having one or more long-term negative consequences (Bremner et al., 1999; Colangelo and Keefe-Cooperman, 2012; Gladstone, Parker, Wilhelm, Mitchell, & Austin, 1999; Goodyear-Brown, 2012; Rosenthal, Rasmussen Hall, Palm, Batten, & Follette, 2005; Trowell, Kolvin, Weeramanthri, Sadowski, Berelowitz, Glasser, & Leitch, 2002). A history of CSA is not uncommonly reported by survivors with depressive disorders (Gladstone et al., 1999). They seek out a mental health professional for numerous reasons. Rosenthal et al. (2005) found shame, guilt and the social stigma with CSA of such experiences; it is likely that survivors would attempt to avoid memories and feelings through various means including psychological distress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal behavior and borderline personality disorders. Defining the Problem Bremner et al. (1999) affirmed child sexual abuse is extremely common in today’s society; 16% of women are the victim of rape, attempted or molestation at some time before their 18th birthday. However, CSA prevalence rates varied substantially making comparisons difficult (Colangelo & Keefe-Cooperman , 2012 as cited in Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2010). In addition, the main definitional difference was whether the abuse was physical or also involved noncontact behaviors. Goodyear-Brown, 2012 (as cited in Berliner, 2011; Berliner & Elliott, 2002; Finkelhor, 1979) defined CSA as any sexual activity involving a child in whom the child is unable or unwilling to give consent. In addition, reported CSA is a problem of epidemic symmetry affecting children of all ages, socioeconomic levels and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, all states have legal procedures against child sexual abuse, literal meanings dissent from state to state, and sexual abuse is not always clearly addressed as distinct from physical abuse (Goodyear-Brown, 2012). CSA impacts all people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Researchers have documented CSA has no boundaries of race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. As a result it affects the whole community including, children, adolescents, and adults. While victims including offenders are without doubt, most undeviatingly impacted, households and communities in which the abuse occurred are also strongly impacted if there is no satisfactory response to the issue. Personality Disorders The ability to develop relationships and get along with others is essential to healthy wellbeing. Maintaining positive, reciprocal social connections includes comprehending social cues, speaking up for oneself, and finding people who will not exploit and hurt others. Consequently, the ability to develop and maintain relationships becomes affected. Low Self-Esteem Sexual abuse survivors, in one study, expressed more internalizing behaviors than did their non-abused counter parts. In fact, women with history of CSA were more likely to use negative terms to describe themselves and less likely to attribute positive meaning to sexual behavior (Colangelo & Keefe-Cooperman, 2012, as cited in Meston and Heiman, 2000). Also, women with a history of CSA perceived their bodies as less sexually attractive than nonabused and reported feeling angry and distant from, their own bodies during sexual activity (Colangelo & Keefe-Cooperman, 2012, as cited in Wenniinger and Heiman, 1998). In addition, patients who report CSA, 93% self-reported helplessness, sinfulness, guilt, worthlessness and self-image (Gladstone et al., 1999). Avoidance Rosenthal et al., (2005) established that women victimized during childhood, were likely to have avoidance of experiences. Survivors with the avoidant style have few interpersonal bonds and few friends. They are not as imaginable to be linked in relations with others and less likely to be married. The invasive style is overly burdensome and controlling. However, the invasive style has exceptional needs for closeness. There is extreme self-disclosure, and relationships are excessively smothering. Equally the avoidant and invasive styles are dysfunctional and are possibly to result in loneliness. Sexual Disorders The impact of CSA on a woman’s sexual functions relates to high risk sexual activities. Risky sexual behavior is the most thoroughly documentation of destructive behavior in abuse survivors. Also, significantly impacts the quality of sexual and romantic relationships of the victims. Promiscuity Researchers found 20% of women worldwide reported sexual contact with an adult during their childhood (Colangelo & Keefe-Cooperman, 2012 as cited in Freyd et al., 2005). Women reported performing a sexual act against their will, before age 15 (Colangelo & Keefe-Cooperman, 2012 as cited in Fanslow, Crengle, Perese and Robinson, 2007). Also, women with a sexual abuse history reported more negative feelings about sex and experience less satisfaction than do nonabused women (Colangelo & Keefe-Cooperman, 2012 as cited in Leonard et al., 2008; Meston et al., 2006). Findings, for women whose abuse experience included earlier onset of consensual sexual activity, higher rates of teen pregnancy, multiple sexual partners, unprotected intercourse (Colangelo & Keefe-Cooperman, 2012, as cited in Ferguson et al., 1997; Raj, Silverman & Amaro, 2000; Walker et al., 1999). Furthermore, increased rates of abortion and anal sex (Colangelo & Keefe-Cooperman, 2012 as cited in Windgood & DiClemente, 1997). Anxiety Disorders A plethora of literature has developed over the past 20 years demonstrating the potentially life-threatening magnitude of negative emotions. Depression is one of the most frequently occurring sequelae of past abuse. Depression Gladstone et al., (1999) linked behavioral problems in adulthood to CSA and found that more patients with exposure to CSA, than patients with no exposure, had evidence of significant personality disturbances before their current depressive episode. In addition, patients with history of CSA reported higher levels of depression (Gladstone et al., 1999). Significantly, patients with exposure of CSA reported having an alcoholic father than did those who had not. To emphasize researchers also found other over represented characteristics to feel unsafe, a dysfunctional father, verbal abuse and exposure to an unstable relationship between parents (Gladstone et al., 1999). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Bremner et al., (1999) identified CSA is the most common cause of PTSD, which affects 10% of individuals in this country. In spite of the high prevalence rates of CSA and PTSD, there is little on the long-term effects of abuse on the brain. Trowell et al. (2002) examined the relationship between PTSD and symptoms the led victims to seek treatment. They found that a significant number of victims in their sample manifest symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks and intrusive memories. However, despite the fact that most CSA victims did not meet full diagnostic criteria for PTSD, many reported having some post-traumatic symptoms. These symptoms included hyper vigilance, intrusive thoughts, and rapid intrusive flashbacks of the abuse Researchers monitored the relative efficacy of focused individual or group psychotherapy for sexually abused girls and psychopathological outcome findings and patterns of change. Both treatment groups showed substantial psychopathological improvements, but with no evident difference between individual and group therapy. Therefore, individual therapy led to a greater improvement in manifestations of PTSD (Trowell et al., 2002). References Bremner, J. D., Narayan, M., Staib, L. H., Southwick, S. M., McGlashan, T., & Charney, D.S. (1999). Neural correlates of memories of childhood sexual abuse in women with and without posttraumatic stress disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 156(11), 1787-1795. Colangelo, J.J., & Keefe-Cooperman, K. (2012). Understanding the impact of childhood sexual abuse on women’s sexuality. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 34(1), 1-5. Gladstone, G., Parker, G., Wilhelm, K., Mitchell, P., & Austin, M. (1999). Characteristics of depressed patients who report childhood sexual abuse. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 156(3), 431-437. Goodyear-Brown, P. (2012).The scope of the problem. In P. Goodyear-Brown (Eds.), Handbook of child sexual abuse: Identification, assessment, and treatment (pp. 1-28). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Rosenthal, Z.M., Rasmussen Hall, M. L., Palm, K.M, Batten, S.V., & Follette, V.M. (2005). Chronic avoidance helps explain the relationship b etween severity of childhood sexual abuse and psychological distress in adulthood. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 14(4), 25-41. Trowell, J., Kolvin, I., T. Weeramanthri, T., Sadowski, H., Berelowitz, M., Glasser, D., & Leitch, I. (2002). 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