Remittance as a social responsibility for development Essay

Remittance as a social responsibility for development - Essay Example Accordingly, the compensation in the former for similar labor and similar work is significantly lower than that in the latter. In such circumstances, little money sent by the distant individuals in foreign currency proves a big treat for the remote relatives. Remittance is not only the money that is sent by migrants to their relatives in homeland, but also includes any money that is invested in real estate or other that is deposited by the migrants in the banks or saving accounts in the homeland. Money pouring into underdeveloped countries in this way becomes a source of economic stability and strength. Remittance maintains the integrity and value of a nation’s economy. Life style and culture depend upon the economy of a nation for their maintenance and modification. As a result of the economic stability, the nation progresses as a whole. That is why, it is a social responsibility of every individual that makes part of a nation. Remittances have gathered the attention and appreciation of policy makers, academic institutions and other financial organizations. This is so because remittances happen to be the second largest source of foreign investment in the underdeveloped countries after Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This is despite the fact that considerable portion of the total remittance gets spent in its transfer occurring through informal routes. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that remittance is far less volatile as compared to the local capital flow because it is majorly invested in real estate and business as it usually is more than what the remote relatives in the homeland require. Another way in which remittance helps a country gain economic strength and stability is that it provides the home country with enough sum to carry out heavy trade. According to Mansoor and Ouillin, and Razin (cited in Vogiazides), above 70% and 75% of the trade deficit in Albania since 1995 and Moldova in 200 5 was financed

Your Lot in Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Your Lot in Life - Essay Example Research studies indicated that the period following divorce could result in serious disorders that could affect the child emotionally as well as psychologically. However, generally, a higher majority of adults do not exhibit such risks. Adult mental health was impacted upon by the negative effects of divorce because of lower levels of achievement at school, economic status of the family at 16 years of age and other problems related to the adolescent’s feelings and emotions. [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Though the pain and trauma of divorce cannot be totally done away with, the use of the right interventions at the right time could help a great deal in minimizing this impact and encouraging good coping strategies. According to (Gardner, 1985) Guidance and support from other family members and developing skills that help us cope with life is of prime importance. Erik Erikson, (1902 – 1994) a great child psychologist explains that a child passes through 8 stages from an infant to an adult in relation to a divorce in the family and if guided in the right manner will help the child to adjust better in a shorter period of time. 2. Effects of Alcoholism A happy family is one where every member fulfills their duties to each other in the right manner. ... greatly impacts upon the growth and development of their children that leads them to early bouts of depression in their childhood which in turn grossly lowers their IQ and cognitive skills. Our contemporary society is faced with the scourge of one of the greatest menaces being Alcohol and Drug abuse. The addiction creeps upon them so insidiously that at most times people are not even aware of it. The adverse effects of Alcohol abuse are far reachable and deteriorating especially within families where children have to face the ugly brunt. Studies have shown that abused children of alcoholic parents suffer immensely with low confidence and self esteem and never seem to get over it even in their adulthood. While some research studies show that children of Alcoholics (COAs) do suffer a lot of negative consequences. Detecting such problems at an early stage would help to prevent them in the school and later on in life as the child matures which include depression, anxiety and in turn subs tance abuse. 3. Safety of children in unsafe communities The safety of children is of prime importance for any devoted parent and more so when they are aware that they live in an unsafe neighborhood or community. Such surroundings necessitate heightened vigilance by the parents because it poses a hindrance to their daily activities. According to the ((U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000) families living in a large number of communities have neighborhoods that are rampant in violence and crime and both children and parents are exposed to robberies, murders and assaults either directly or indirectly. (Veenema, 2001) In trying to ensure the safety of their children many parents have taken an active part in the community and are trying to make it a much safer place for the

Computer Technology In The Movie Industry Film Studies Essay

Computer Technology In The Movie Industry Film Studies Essay Filmmaking is a process of producing a film based on a storyline. Although many people say, a movie is good if it has a successful plot, however, a movie needs also good production in order to be classified as a good movie. The history of filmmaking can be traced back to as early as the 17th century, where magic lanterns were used. Back then, films were all made in shades of black and white only. Also, many of the times, special effects are done manually by workers. For example, an explosion, many workers will be needed to install those explosives and to clear up the scene. As time progressed, technology improved the quality of films largely, thus producing colored films. However, such improvements do not halt there. Movie makers and producers worked endlessly to create films that leave people in awe. Therefore, the creations of computer-generated imagery, animation and 3D have been invented and improved. Such creations have moved the movie industry one step forward. Using the same explosion example, compared to last time, with advance computer technologies, such a scene will not require a whole lot of work from the workers. Instead, it can be easily done in the editing room, where editors can easily ad d special effects into the movie, making it look realistic, but without much hard work. The main objective of this paper is to educate people about the movie making industry. Many people may be awed when they see sophisticated scenes in movies. However, they only know that those scenes are mostly done with the help of computers. But in reality, there are so many computer technology that the people do not know about. In the discussion in this paper, research will explain the computer technologies used in the movie industry. Computer-generated imagery, animation and 3D will be explained as brief introduction to technologies in the development of movie making. Also, the making of the movie sensation, Avatar will also be revealed. As videos are getting more attention amongst people nowadays, many people now search ways to create their own videos. Therefore, to make this paper more users friendly, an introduction of animation software, Pencil and moviemaking software, Windows Movie Maker will also be done. COMPUTER-GENERATED IMAGERY (CGI) Computer-generated imagery means computer graphics being applied into movie industry to create special effects. Compared to other physical means, CGI is a cheaper alternative because it uses computer software to create images instead of constructing real and physical settings. The first ever movie that used computer-generated imagery was Westworld in year 1973. It was a science fiction that incorporate both robots and humans. Also, famous movies like Star Wars and Star Trek II were also able to produce effects like laser guns and robot motion. In the Terminator, computer-generated imagery created digital scenes in the robot. CGI, especially in two dimensions was greatly used in traditional animated films as it replaced the role of manually illustrated cells. Since then, it became a significant technology used to create special effects in the movie industry. This then promoted and encouraged the great usage of animation and three dimensions (3D). Usually, CGI for films are about 1.4 to 6 megapixels, where one frame is generally around 2 to 3 hours long which can multiple to ten times for more complex scenes. Computer-generated imagery was also used in created the film Star Wars. ANIMATION Animation is a series of images in the form of two dimensional or three dimensional art work that are display rapidly to produce an illusion of movement. The earliest animation said to be found is the Paleolithic cave paintings. In these paintings, objects are drawn in superimposed positions that clearly try to convey the idea of motion. However, in year 1906, J. Stuart Blackton, a newspaper cartoonist, released the first ever fully animated film, Humorous Phases of Funny Faces. The Paleolithic cave painting shows movement in an animation way. There are many types of animations that can be used in making a movie. The traditional animation, which is also known as cell animation or hand drawn animation, was broadly used in the 20th century. This involves many individual frames first drawn on papers that differ a little from the previous. These frames are then photocopied onto transparent sheets called cells, which can be photographed by a rostrum camera to produce motion. Classic Disney animated films like Snow White and Aladdin are produced using this technique. Traditional animation is manual and is drawn in multiple frames. As computer generated imagery (CGI) is used increasingly, animation can be done by using computers. The first entirely computer-generated animated film is Toy Story, in year 1995. Computer animation simply means creating moving objects by using programs or software designed for computers. Consequently, this has caused the invention of two dimensional (2D) animations. Figures are created and edited using two dimensional bitmap graphics or two dimensional vector graphics. However, trained professionals are required to produce animations like this as it involves techniques and skills. Toy Story, the first fully computer-generated animated film. THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) Three dimension computer graphics are graphics which use three dimensional representation data geometrically. These graphics will then be stored to calculate and render two dimensional images. These graphics often use many algorithms to generate images. A typical two dimensional image would only show height and width. However, a three dimensional image could show height, width and even depth. This gives the idea of realistic instead of virtual. Animation can also be done in three dimension. An animator can use the digital skeletal structure to control the mesh. Besides that, mathematical functions can also be used to created three dimensional animation. 3D, or stereoscopic 3D uses the illusion of the depth perception to create realistic images. It can be produced using few methods. In an anaglyph, two images are located at a superimposed position with a light filtering two colors, red and cyan. By wearing the 3D glasses, the two images are cancelled out to produce only one image. That is the earlier 3D images used in movie making. An anaglyph image. A pair of anaglyph 3D glasses. In the polarization systems, similarly, two images are located at a superimposed position through different polarizing filters. By wearing a pair of glasses that contain polarizing filters, each filter can only pass through similar polarized light but blocks different polarized lights, causing each eyes to see different images. A polarized 3D image. Polarized 3D glasses. HOW WAS AVATAR MADE? The Avatar has successfully created a sensation amongst movie lovers with its breathtaking three dimension technology. James Cameron, the director of the movie incorporated the technology as well as real human footages into the movie. Computer-generated imagery was used extensively in the movie. He used a technique called the image-based facial performance capture, which required actors and actresses to put on special headgears called skull caps that were equipped with cameras. As the recording went on, facial expressions and movies were transmitted from the camera to the virtual characters. The movements caught on tape would be six times bigger, which created authenticity in the characters. By using such technology, the facial expressions of the characters can be made to change according to how the dialog was told. The motion capture technique that animated the expressions of the actor and actresses. To do that, a new software called the facial action coding system was created. This software can trace the visualization of facial and muscle movements of the actors and actresses, which can then be animated to created computer-generated images. The incorporation of computer-generated images into live action footages. 3D was also made easier by motion capture because it allowed film-makers to add special effects as well as direct the angle of camera in . The formats used were Real D 3D, Dolby 3D, Xpan 3D and IMAX 3D. With the help of a pair of polarized 3D glasses, the movie created another sensation to be viewers. Weta Digital was the visual effects company that worked for the movie. They used Linux-based software to created graphics that made the settings in the movie looked to realistic. The company used one of the worlds largest Linux clusters as the operating system, which produced computer-generated images using 64-bit for 3D modelling. The filming camera that gives the 3D effects. WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER Windows Movie Maker is a software that allows user to create and edit videos, thus creating homemade videos. The first ever version of Windows Movie Maker was available for Windows Me back in year 2000, which then followed by Windows XP in year 2001. Its development was then improved. Its so called replacement was then named Windows Live Movie Maker, which is included with the Windows Live Essentials. The new movie maker does not share the same features with the older version. However, the 2.6 version is compatible for both Windows Vista as well as Windows 7. Furthermore, this version is strongly recommended by many video editors as it is user friendly and easy to use but at the same time, produces high quality movies and videos. Windows Movie Maker has features like effects, titles or credits, timeline narration and auto movie. New effects can also be modified using the existing ones by using XML code, thus allowing users to create one of its kind videos. Besides that, an audio track editing is also available. Basic effects like fading in or fading out can be added. And then, the tracks can be saved in a sound file instead of a video file. In the window, there is a storyboard that previews the timeline for video and audio. Video or images can be imported into the timeline. When doing so, user can choose either to capture video directly from webcam or import from collections of existing videos. Videos and audios that are in .WMV/.ASF,  .MPG (MPEG-1),  .AVI (DV-AVI),  .WMA,  .WAV, and  .MP3 formats are accepted. However, other formats like MP4/3GP, FLV and MOV, MIDI, AIFF, AAC and SWF are not accepted. A window showing the first page of the program. A window showing the storyboard. Video clips or images can be dragged into these boxes to create a continuous movie. Editing videos and movies in Windows Movie Maker is a very rewarding process as it allows user to create and design the videos and movies in any way they want. The auto movie feature in the program contains premade editing styles which help users to create movies in a very quick period. However, if users choose to edit themselves, a total of 60 transitions, 37 effects, 34 titles and 9 credit animations are available in the 2.x version. The effects and transitions that users can choose to use in order to increase the attractiveness of the movies. There are also other features like adding titles or credits into the movie. All these features can be found easily on the menu pane on the left of the window. Audio and sound effects can also be added into the movie easily through options on the menu pane. At the end, when the movie is all done editing, it is supposed to be saved. Then, it can be viewed from the computer. Besides that, the movie can also be uploaded into pocket pc like smart phones or PDA phones. It can also be uploaded back into a camera and DV recorder if the format is supported. The movie can also be sent to a website for the view of the public. PENCIL Pencil is a software for animation and drawing, which is supported by Mac, Windows and Linux operating system. It utilizes one of the most common animation method, the traditional animation which is done by drawing or sketching with a pencil. This program is great for amateur users because it is easy to use and user friendly. A screenshot of Pencil. This free drawing program is not equipped with many advance tools, but with simple toolbox that contain pencil, brush, eraser, and coloring tool. Although it seems to be simple, sophisticated 2D animation can be produced by just using these few tools. The toolbox that contains the tools for drawing. There is a timeline feature, where users are able to add layers. By saying layer, it simply means vector layer, audio layer as well as video layer. Besides that, it also allow users to use onion skinning, which enables users to check the previous and next frames to trace the animation. The default frame per second is set at 12, but this setting can be changed up to 50 FPS. The timeline feature that enables users to create different layers altogether. Besides drawing the animation in the program, sketches can be drawn on real paper and then imported into the program. To do so, the sketches can first be saved in the computer, and then imported onto the canvas, which then can be edited directly in the program itself. The camera layer enables users to create different frames through the usage of a camera. Audio can also be added into the animation, making it more interesting. As sounds and voices are essentials to animation, it can easily added into the animation by exporting music files from the computer. To do so, a sound layer is first created. The music files can be imported. The format that is supported is only WAV format on Windows OS. However, Mac users can import any formats that is readable by Quicktime. When the music file is imported, a triangular key appears, indicating where the music starts to play. A sound layer will not play if it is deactivated, which can be easily controlled by pressing the sound button in the timeline control. The feature that allows adding of sound layer. CONCLUSION It is undeniable that computer technology plays an important role in producing a good movie. We can see that as time progresses, computer technology also improves greatly. However, this does not mean that continuous research on this subject matter should stop here. In fact, such an achievement in this field simply means that producers and movie makers in the market should continue in creating breakthroughs in the industry. This is especially true because people will not be contented with what is in the market now if there is nothing new that appeals to them. The demand for more and better is always increasing. Therefore, it is pivotal to continue achieving for more. As for home users and non-professional users, there is actually much other software that allows them to create their own home videos. The market now realizes that the public can also be very good in creating home videos. Therefore, there is an increasing amount of movie making and animation software for the use of the public. Much of this software actually varies in difficulty as well as quality of products. However, it is confirmed that it allows users to create according to their creativity and that is what makes the videos one of its own. If users are having problem, they can easily obtain help from tutorials and forums that are available from the omnipotent Internet. Based on the research done on this paper, hopefully doubts and questions of many can be clarified. It is very crucial to educate people about the subject matter as it has blended into our lives and has become a part so close to us. There are some movies I can watch over and over, never get sick of. Ill put one of those on and be puttering around the house. Then a certain scene will come on and Ill just have to go over and watch. David Fincher

Illustration Essay: Why We Drink -- Sociology Alcohol

It was a Monday morning and the topic of everyone's conversation was the past weekend. Usually explaining how drunk they were and the uncontrollable mishaps that we didn't even remember until the next day. For example, they tell their friends "Man, I was soooo wasted last night, I must have drank like 10 beers and like half a bottle of vodka", all told with smile of excitement hoping to do it again the next weekend. This regular occurrence got me thinking, why do we brag ourselves and praise others for accomplishing something that requires absolutely no skill? In short, why do we get drunk? I feel that some people drink in order to knock down or at least lower the wall of insecurities they have built up inside them even for just an instant. For example, my friend Mike attempts to be "...

An Analysis of Marquez’ The Plane of the Sleeping Beauty

The short story by Gabriel Garcia Marquez which is entitled The Plane of the Sleeping Beauty written in June 1982 may be interpreted as a depiction of our colonial history and its legacy to the world. While reading his work I find myself searching for the true individualities of the main characters. This is also what I consider to be the problematic of the story. It hopes to unveil a reality of human existence that is often rooted in our historical structures- where countries have crossed cultural boundaries and homogenized economies making some of them quite unhappy. The author presents such scenario combined with his emotions toward it through symbolisms in the guise of the character and events. Indeed the setting, characters and context of the story harmoniously created the characters’ dilemma- the discomfort of their lost identities in a continuously globalizing world with flashbacks on the impacts of colonialism and wars.I would like to focus on three aspects of the liter ary text in explaining the problematic; the setting, characters and context. The story is narrated by the author who is also one of the main characters. He is subtly confirmed Japanese though unnamed, in the latter part when he said: â€Å"Who is going to believe it,† I told myself, with my own passion exacerbated by the champagne: â€Å"Me, an elderly Japanese by now.† The other main character is a lady who is not also introduced by the author but instead referred to as the Sleeping Beauty. This is proved by the title itself and the plot which seemed to have concentrated on her or filled with her quintessence. At the beginning of the story is already a romantic description of this mysterious character:She was beautiful elastic with tender bread-colored skin and green almond eyes. Black hair long and smooth fell to her back, and she exuded an aura of antiquity that in it of itself could be Indonesian and not from the Andes. She was dressed with taste-lynx jacket, natur al silk blouse adorned with tenuous flowers, crude linen pants, and lined shoes the color of bugambillas.Also in another section of the story the author narrates:She had on her neck a chain so fine that it was all but invisible above her golden skin, perfect ears with no earring holes, rose fingernails in good health, and a smooth ring on her left hand.While both characters have no names, they suggest however nationalities that are nonetheless experiencing confusion. Nation is defined as â€Å"a group of people who share a common cultural inheritance† (Heywood 106 ). The cultural inheritance becomes the source of common identity for all the members of the group and may come in the form of language, history, poetry, music, race or ethnicity, etc. The confusion arises in the mixtures of influences that are manifested in the characters’ languages and experiences. For instance, the lady appears Indonesian to the Japanese, but may be perceived Latin American in the narratio n:She then put on her lynx jacket, walked nearly on top of me with a conventional apology in a pure Castilian straight out of the Americas, and walked off without saying goodbye†¦The lady has used other languages as well in the story like French and English.The man on the other hand exposing his knowledge of Japanese and Western forms of literature has interestingly revealed fascination over Chinese mythological beliefs- all of which present a fusion of cultures;I thought, reciting into the crest of foam from my champagne the skillful sonnet of Gerardo Diego†¦last spring I read a beautiful novel by Yasunari Kawabata concerning the ancient bourgeois of Kyoto that paid enormous sums to spend the night speculating the most stunning women of the city†¦and in;â€Å"Dammit,† I said to myself, with great scorn. â€Å"Why was I not born a Taurus?!†.The setting has more to explain actually-previously the airport then the plane. The airport signifies to me the abi lity of countries to transcend borders. In particular, the Charles de Gaulle de Paris airport as a chosen background where all succeeding events are to be witnessed somehow represents a historical moment when freedom is aspired by most regions. Especially that France is known for its love for liberty and freedom. The entire commotion as imagined by the author is a semblance of World War II whose outcomes and length were initially perceived uncertain and infinite, respectively. For instance;†¦Only then did she mention that the airport was about to close and all flights have been delayed†¦Ã¢â‚¬ As long as God desires† she said with a grin. â€Å"It was announced on the radio this morning it will be the biggest snowstorm of the year†. She was wrong. It was the biggest of the century [such is also the case during the Worl War].and in;Outside I found an unpleasant spectacle. All kinds of people were overrunning the waiting rooms, camped in the stifling corridors a nd even the stairs, and spread out on the floor with their animals, children and luggage. Since communication with the city was interrupted, the palace of transparent plastic felt like an immense capsule launched in the storm [something like missiles and ammunition]†¦ By lunchtime the collective conscience resembled a shipwreck. The lines stretched endlessly in front of the seven restaurants [the seven continents of the world]†¦ in less than three hours they had to close them down because there was nothing to eat or drink [such is the devastation on the part most especially of the colonized regions] †¦But the scenario in the so-called first class waiting rooms is different- which to me reflects the experience of those countries now known to be in the First World category. If the Sleeping Beauty was a place, it must be those places in the world which are rich in natural resources and potentials for development, yet both admired and captured by imperialists. Truly, the author was anticipating for her to belong to them, first-class nations (yet the woman isn’t to be found there) in the space described in the story as follows:In the first-class waiting room however, spring was tangible that there were live roses in the vases and canned music felt as sublime and sedative as its composers intended. Suddenly it occurred to me that this was an adequate refuge for the woman†¦But the majority of the crowd was down-to-earth men [probably symbolizing men who have succumbed to the colonizers losing their dignities] reading newspapers in English [the dominant language of the world] while their women were thinking of other men, [symbolizing patriots and true nationalists] contemplating the icy factories and the vast seed plots of Roissy devastated by lions [representing the effects of colonial past, that of economic dependence and abused laborers and farmers]†¦The man, the Japanese symbolizing the same country which chose to extend territory i nstead of being colonized by the Westerners in its Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere theme (the attempt for Japan to colonize its Asian neighbors) has indeed taken the path less traversed:â€Å"Pick a number,† she told me, â€Å"Three, four or seven†.â€Å"Four†.â€Å"You are the first one to not choose seven†.But this later has been contradicted when the man realized inside the plane when he encountered the Dutch woman’s eyeglasses, â€Å"But I retraced my steps, picked them up, and put them on her lap, suddenly thrilled that I had not chosen seat number four earlier.† What this suggests is that Japan although guided by its dreams of Asian development through Asians themselves (as shown in its fascination in the woman representing the developing countries be it South-East and East Asian, Latin American, South African, or Middle East) and its hatred in previous intruders manifested in his irritation against the fat Dutch woman (the Neth erlands also once colonized Indonesia) has failed to avoid the course of the French, German, Dutch, British and other previous colonial powers .Besides, it is quite amusing to realize that the main character could also speak and understand the now considered global language- a sign of acceptance and engagement in the globalized system. Is it the author Gabriel Garcia Marquez who is feeling the disappointment in the main character against what it represents? This may be true. What is certain however is the melancholy of the woman who as described in the narration below has resorted to a deep slumber in order to veil its passivity and discontent of the results of history:She did everything in a methodical and parsimonious manner, as if there was nothing anticipated for her since birth. Lastly, she lowered the curtain in the window, declined her seat as far back as it would go, covered herself with a blanket†¦and slept without a moment’s breath†¦for the eternal eight h ours and twelve minutes of the flight to New York.Yes, the plane is going to New York. The man, the woman, and the rest of the passengers are bound to the United States. Could this represent the fate of most countries- following the American ideals? While most of them seem to have forgotten the past, most have tried to belong to the present global order although with less analysis and a lot of difficulties to the extent of losing true identities, like the Sleeping Beauty.The author was successful in his presentation of a hopeless romantic tone with underlying themes that are both historical and political. The audience may be more interested to know that Gabriel Garcia Marquez was identified as a supporter of Latin American revolutionary movements and whose literature introduced the so-called, â€Å"magical realism†. The challenge here is really for the readers to be able to challenge the paradigm presented in the story, which beforehand must be decoded. A lot of the symbolism in the story has yet to be discovered. My interpretation here offers a new form of conflict that could only be resolved by historical, political and economic understanding and awakening.†¦because the only thing I desired in the last hour of the flight was to see her awake, even if she was infuriated, so that I could reclaim my freedom, and possibly my youth†¦Works CitedHeywood, Andrew. Politics. New York: Palgrave, 2002.Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. â€Å"The Plane of the Sleeping Beauty†. June 1982.

‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding Essay

Compare and Contrast the characters of Ralph and Jack and comment on their roles in the novel? ‘Lord of the Flies’ is an allegory, a simple adventure story that also has deeper meaning. Golding uses the characters of Ralph and Jack to illustrate the battle between right and wrong within society. Both have dominant characters but use methods that contrast in many ways. They have different expectations of others and of the island itself, and have opposing priorities and objectives. It is necessary to examine their different character traits in detail, in order to understand how these influence the development of life on the island. At Jack’s first appearance in the novel, we recognise him as a natural leader. Jack is the head of the choir and a strict disciplinarian. â€Å"Choir! Stand still!† However, throughout this encounter, he maintains control and dignity. Jack has complete confidence in his decisions. He cannot be accused of worrying people by being indecisive as he always has clear and definite opinions. â€Å"I ought to be chief †¦ I can sing C sharp†. However, his black cloak and red hair are hints of a dark and fiery side to his character. These were the main colours of the Nazi Party flag. Gradually we see Jack changing from an authoritarian leader into something much more ruthless, casting him as a type of Hitler. In contrast, Ralph first appears fun-loving and carefree, sounding like a typical public school boy, â€Å"wacco – wizard – golly†. He is excited at the prospect of an adventure at the beginning, not considering the implications of being alone and coping on the island, standing on his head when he does not know what to do. â€Å"Forced at last to believe in the reality of the island, laughed delightedly again and stood on his head†. Ralph is an instinctive person who has a tendency to rush into things before considering the consequences. This shows his immaturity. Ralph is therefore quite childish and naà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ve at times. Later in the novel Ralph looks back with regret at â€Å"that first enthusiastic exploration as though it were part of a brighter childhood†. Despite this, Ralph shows himself to be a strong character who often displays clear authority during the novel. He desires order, calling assemblies and using the conch, the symbol of democracy and civilisation, â€Å"Ralph felt a kind of reverence for the conch.† This shows Ralph’s belief in democracy. He tries to treat people as equals, including characters like Piggy. He cares for others and is compassionate, especially to the â€Å"littluns†. Ralph also shows his assertiveness when dealing with Piggy, â€Å"Better Piggy than Fatty,† he said at last, with the directness of genuine leadership.† He is also courageous confronting the tribe when they steal Piggy’s glasses calling Jack â€Å"a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief†. Ralph’s physical appearance also favours him. He is tall, agile, a good swimmer with â€Å"a mildness about his mouth and eyes that proclaim no devil.† This is a clear indication of Ralph’s character. However, he does not convey as much confidence as Jack. Ralph can appear the weaker of the two by depending on Piggy for advice. This is probably because he has had no experience of leadership and therefore lacks confidence. Simon suggests Ralph needs to be firmer â€Å"you’re chief, you tell ’em off† However Ralph could also be seen as open-minded. He is always prepared to listen to both sides of an argument without forcing his own opinions. Ralph has an optimistic character, never questioning that rescue will come. Ralph earns the respect of the boys and gains their trust. Jack rules through fear. It is a sign of Ralph’s good judgement that he delegates responsibility and trusts Piggy, having respect for his advice. Although like everyone else he becomes more savage in order to survive, unlike Jack he does not take this to extremes. Ralph becomes aware of his filthy appearance â€Å"with a little fall of his heart†. After Simon’s death he says, â€Å"I’m frightened of us.† In contrast, Jack becomes a good keen hunter and relishes this role. Increasingly he begins to adopt animal-like methods â€Å"down like a sprinter† as if he is ready to sniff out the scent. Jack can be very determined, and will persevere. At first, Jack is unable to kill the pig, but he shows promise of completing the task in hand â€Å"†¦I shall! Next time!† Soon his obsession with killing the pig takes over and he can no longer keep his basic instincts under control. There are hints that Jack finds it harder to keep a clear head. Jack â€Å"†¦frowned in an effort to attain clarity,† showing that he was beginning to lose concentration and control. Jack forgets about home and has no wish to get off the island. Soon, he has no priorities, other than to hunt and kill. Jack becomes increasingly tyrannical towards everyone. The longer the boys are on the island the worse he becomes. At first Jack targets most of his aggression at Piggy. This seems to be a coping mechanism when things are going wrong. Jack uses Piggy to vent his frustration physically. He seems to feel his only way of control is through violence. Jack shows himself to be a bully, and respect is not given to Jack voluntarily, he demands it. The reason why people obey him is through terror. His followers become known as â€Å"the Tribe† symbolising their loss of individual identity. As Jack’s dictatorial style develops he shows himself to be very narrow-minded and expects people never to question him. He will not listen to anyone’s opinion. â€Å"Bollocks to the rules!† the phrase Jack uses to dismiss democracy. From the beginning, Jack is consistently rude to Piggy. He is a very judgmental person, and he takes Piggy at face value. Jack does not look for the best or show any sign of accepting people for who they are. He has no consideration for people’s feelings. Eventually any suggestions given to Jack are taken as a threat. Jack shows no remorse. A good example of this is the incident concerning the fire. The fire is the symbol of safety and of destruction – of power and of hope. The Hunters whom Jack leads can be viewed in the same way. A symbol of safety when obtaining food, but of destruction when blindly killing. By neglecting the fire, Jack shows himself to be unreliable, forsaking the group in favour of his own interests and priorities. He does not admit to being at fault or apologise, but retaliates with aggression. It is easy to understand why Jack is viewed as the obvious leader. He came to the island with experience of holding a responsible position. Ralph, however, has a more spontaneous approach. He is less rigid and seems able to adapt to the changing circumstances. Throughout their time on the island we see Jack and Ralph changing due to their environment and the pressures which they face. Often Ralph rises to the challenge with fairness and clear thinking, but the weight of responsibility causes extreme stress. â€Å"A strange thing happened in his head. Something flittered there in front of his mind like a bat’s wing, obscuring his idea.† Jack however becomes increasingly violent and degenerates into an overpowering dictator. ‘Lord of the Flies’ was written by Golding to highlight some of the relevant issues of the day. Published in 1954, there was a strong worldwide movement against dictators and fascism following the Second World War. The division between Ralph and Jack highlights the gulf between good and evil, â€Å"two continents of experience and feeling, unable to communicate†. Jack’s role symbolises fallen mankind, degenerating as the novel progresses into ultimate sin and savagery. Ralph also becomes aware of the â€Å"darkness of man’s heart†. Ralph’s failure to maintain democracy symbolises mankind’s failure to deal with our own sinful natures. â€Å"Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.†   

Taking on Global Warming essays

Taking on Global Warming essays Global warming is one of the foremost problems facing our planet today. As pollution rises the ozone layer breaks down, and as the temperatures go on a constant rise glaciers and ice-caps melt. Many people have their doubts about the global warming theory, however proof of this theory is evident all over the world. The environment is changing in many rapid ways and aside from affecting the planet, global warming has and will continue to affect the lives of human greatly if not stopped. In order to prevent global warming, people must first know what causes global warming. A well-known cause of global warming is the burning of fossil fuels. When people burn fossil fuels it releases methane, which is naturally stored underground, but when fossil fuels are released it goes upwards. Methane is a greenhouse gas and that means that it keeps heat stored up within the Earths atmosphere. Methane gas is extremely harmful to the ozone and breaks it down causing holes in the ozone. The burning of fossil fuels can and needs to be stopped, because it is a man-made occurrence and does not happen naturally. Methane does get released into the air in extreme climatic areas such as wetlands and tundras, but the amount is not to the extent that humans burn out methane. Changes must be made in order for humans to adapt to these climate changes because any change from 0 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius are dangerous to human society. Without greenhouse effect, the earth wo uld be very cold. However, if the greenhouse effect becomes too strong, it will cause temperatures higher than usual posing threats to plants, animals and even humans. Figure 1 The temperature changes predict that the average temperature will rise by 5.5 degrees Celsius by 2100. With pollution on the rise this means more people are driving cars. Cars release gases of their own and pollute the environment. Every car gives off i...