ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Is reality based on what we actually see or does it lie in the subconscious of our minds? A proponent of surrealism would probably agree with the later hypothesis. Antirational, antiauthority, antiestablishment/ conventionalism coupled with the element of surprise and the bizarre characterize the surrealist movement which commenced in the med 1920’s. With the liberation the mind and creative acts of revolts as the inspirational impetus, Surrealism was influenced by many fields and schools of thought. The paramount correlation/relationship between Surrealism and Psychoanalysis can be accredited to Austrian physician, Sigmund Freund. Psychoanalysis emphasized and studied human psychological behavior and its function. At its nucleus was the methodological/systemized investigation of the mind, theories of human behavior, and how to treat emotional/psychological illness. The cornerstone of Surrealism derives from emphasis of the hidden unconscious, free association, and dream analysis – concepts developed and studied by Freud via psychoanalysis. Analysis A cadre of artists and writers became a part of and had great influence on the movement. Some include Andre Masson, Giorgio de Chirico, Luis Bunuel, Andre Thirion, Georges Sadoul, Maurice Heine, E.L.T. Mesens, and Wassily Kandinsky. One of the century’s most prolific surrealists was Spanish artist, Salvador Dali (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989). Dali’s multifaceted repertoire – painting, sculpture, filmmaking, photography, etc. – helped catapult the surrealist movement to another level from a visual arts perspective. As with all surrealists, Dali’s objective, via his work, was to revolutionize the human experience in respect to psychological truth. That which is ordinary became compelling once its normal significance was removed. Of all the works featured, his oil painting, Melancholy, Atomic, Uranic Idyll (66.5 x 86.5 cm/1945)” made a memorable impression on me. The majority of the background is in a somber gray in color. It is as if you are in a room that has experienced an explosion – through patches of wholes you can see the clear blue sky. The room has become a bomb shelter. There is a human face, from the neck up, slightly tilted to the right in the center of the painting. In place of facial features (eyes, nose, etc.), is a fighter plane dropping bombs. The holes in the neck infer detonation. The head is light grayish, blue and the bomber plane is black. Slightly above the head, is one of the outlets to where you can see the blue sky. The outlet is in the shape of a feminine face with a sad yet slightly smiling expression. In addition to the facial features, there are birds flying on her face. Adjacent to the left of the head is what looks like a broken heart. Baseball is featured a great deal in Dali’s work. Although he did not have a full understanding of the game, the uniforms and pageantry fascinated him. Melancholy, Atomic, Uranic Idyll is one of the many paintings to depict Dali’s fascination with this American tradition. At the base of the neck, under the broken heart, is a baseball player and crouched behind him is the catcher. In front of the baseball player is a fig
Introduction Harriet Beecher Stowe had a considerable role in shaping was her own public image. She was careful to do nothing that would set her apart, in word or deed, from her natural power base: the women. After the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Stowe did much to cultivate an outward posture of true womanhood. One of the most polished examples of this retired and womanly species of self-promotion was the famous letter she wrote to Eliza Cabot Follen in response to her request for some information about the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Main text The phenomenal success of Uncle Tom’s Cabin made Stowe’s voice the most powerful on behalf of the slave, by the canons of true womanhood she was prohibited from speaking in public. During her triumphal tour of the British Isles in 1853, she was met by huge crowds in city after city, but at the large soirees held in her honor she would sit in silence while her husband or brother made a speech. Denied both voice and vote, women in the British Isles collected over half a million signatures and attached them to an “Affectionate and Christian Address” to their sisters in the United States of America urging upon them the duty, as wives, mothers, and sisters, of ending the abomination of slavery. The following year the impending passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act moved Stowe to political action. Stephen Douglas, the senator from Illinois, in an attempt to ensure that the transcontinental railroad would run through his state, introduced in January of 1854 a bill effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise of 1820. In an attempt to defeat the bill, Stowe used money collected on her British tour to organize a petition campaign. She also published in the Independent an “Appeal to the Women of the Free States”. Clearly modeled on the example of the British women’s “Affectionate and Christian Address” and published on the eve of the Senate vote on the Nebraska bill, Stowe’s “Appeal” urged women to action: “Women of the free States! the question is not, shall we remonstrate with slavery on its own soil? but are we willing to receive slavery into the free States and territories of the Union?” She urged women to petition, to organize lectures, and to pray, citing the example of the British women’s organization to outlaw the slave trade. “Seventy thousand families refused the use of sugar, as a testimony to their abhorrence of the manner in which it was produced”. In spite of Stowe’s “Appeal” and the inundation of Congress with petitions, including several Stowe helped organize, the Kansas-Nebraska Act passed on May 26, 1854. The bloody struggles that ensued were the first battles of the Civil War, as settlers in Kansas fought among themselves to determine whether the territory should be free or slave. Antislavery voices called for emigrants from the free states to settle in Kansas and declare it free soil. The “Emigrant Aid Society” was formed and sent settlers to establish an
Present-day whaling activities are perpetrated by several developed nations, including Japan. It should be noted that these are states which boast of high-literacy levels among the populace. It should also be noted that these states are members of international movements established to combat the fishing of whales and other deep-sea animals. This implies that they are fully aware of the dangers posed by engaging in this activity. There is a dire need for concerted efforts by all parties involved if this menace is to be dealt with conclusively. It is evident that little can be done by ordinary citizens in order to reduce the magnitude of this practice. This is because policies that propagate these habits are enforced by governments established by these civilians. In addition, benefits accrued from this trade play a decisive role in ensuring the economic security of these residents. It should be noted that ordinary citizens can participate actively in the reduction and subsequent elimination of this trade. In Japan, whale products are used as food supplements for school-going children. The residents may opt to incorporate alternative-food products into their diet. This will minimize the market and demand for whale meat. In addition, persons should desist from purchasing goods that are manufactured from whale products. Priority should be given to petroleum products in a bid to reduce the reliance on sperm oil from whales (Wursig & Thewissen, 2002). This way, citizens like me will contribute towards the reduction of this trade by eliminating profitability from this trade. Identifying the interests harbored by nations participating in this trade is indispensable. This is because this knowledge will be beneficial when establishing the reasons for and methods of reducing this trade. It should be noted that several nations, including Japan, have cited academics as the main reason for their involvement in this trade. In the same breath, conservationists championing the preservation of these animals are fighting against the decimation of the ecosystem (Tellegen & Wolsink, 1998). It is noteworthy, that both groups represent crucial ambitions of modern society. This underscores the importance of a compromise between these parties with regards to the causes they champion (Duncan, Jancar-Webster & Switky, 2008). As a result, enforcing regulations that protect the interest of both parties is paramount if the crisis is to be resolved conclusively. With this in mind, several spots should be designated as sanctuaries, in which whale fishing is disallowed. These zones should be suitable for the breeding and growth of young whales. These agreements should also place an annual cap on the number of whales
Since the research works held every year in the field of biology and biodiversity show that the decline in the number of rare species is constantly growing, and that animals rights are being violated by a number of physical persons and legal entities, the obvious conclusion that can be drawn is that there must be something done about the situation. In spite of the fact that animals right have been talked much about, there is still very little done to protect the wildlife from the people and their inventions that pose a terrible threat to the state of the wildlife. Humanists have come up with the idea of animal rights rather recently, and the progress that the idea has brought, rapidly growing popular with the people all over the world, is truly indescribable. People have grown concerned with the issues that they have never thought of, and the humanism that the theory of animals having their own right is shot through is a clear evidence of the fact that the mankind has achieved another level of development. The notion of mankind and humanity are bound to be intertwined someday, and this is quite cheerful news. In spite of the fact that the progress cannot but bring joy and relief, there are certain questions rising as the new ideas start developing. However, not all people think that animals are supposed to have any rights at all. For example, Cohen (2008) assumes that according to their natural state, animals cannot have any rights, in contrast to people. He explains it by the fact that animals are no human beings, while rights are the attribute of people only, according to the law and logics. Human beings are self-legislative, morally autonomous. Animals (that is, nonhuman animals, the ordinary sense of that word) lack this capacity for free moral judgment. They are not beings of a kind capable of exercising or responding to moral claims. Animals therefore have no rights, and they can have none. (p. 709) This is the core of the argument about the alleged rights of animals. Indeed, the existing laws do not presume that animals should have the same rights as people do. From this point of view, it must be ridiculous to think that animals can understand the notion of rights, and accept that they have certain rights. Since humans are the only beings that can be taken as sane and articulate, only humans can have rights and freedoms. Meanwhile, the wildlife does not have the p
Religion has always been a very significant part of people’s lives. Various cultures practice various religions and different branches of the same religion. The issues of beliefs have been argued about for centuries as they are a very sensitive topic for any person, who is ready to stand for their own values. Any religion has many aspects and layers, as it is a complex set of beliefs, norms of behavior, requirements and rules that the believer needs to follow and respect. Religions have various standing out characteristics and signs that make them differ from each other. Some religions have changed through the time and generations because people, who practice them, started to think that old customs and norms no longer suit the modern way of living of the society. Some, on the contrary, keep struggling for their original traditions and attempt to adjust the contemporary lifestyle to the rules dictated by their holy books. Islam is one of such religions. Islamic cultures are known for their ability to follow the ancient wisdom of the prophets and stick to these rules even though the modern world has developed its way to contradict with the traditional Islamic lifestyle. Modern Muslim people are finding their ways to stay contemporary and to live in the globalizing world without betraying or abandoning their religious beliefs in spite of all the difficulties. One of the most significant visual aspects of the Islamic religion is the clothing Muslim people wear. These traditional Islamic garments have caused a lot of interest as well as a lot of arguments and debates all over the world. The attitude towards various types of Islamic clothing for women is different across all of the Islamic countries and cultures, and since due to the process of globalization many of Muslim immigrants have moved to other countries the subject of the traditional clothing in Islam is currently discussed in almost every corner of the world. Islam is a complicated set of beliefs and it includes the rules for all aspects of lives of the believers. One of the well known rules that are applied to all true Muslims is modesty. This trait is necessary for both men and women. Various laws and rules have derived from this requirement of Islam. Most of these rules explain, which body parts people of both sexes need to cover, as well as the prohibition of looking at certain body parts of other people. Basically, the rules of Islam say that it is not permitted to the believers to be bare without a necessity. The only cases of necessity are bathing or responding to the call of nature (Maghiniyyah, n. d, par. 3). The rules also mention that the individuals ought not to expose or look at their own private parts even when there is no one around. The areas people should cover in different circumstances are varied. For example, a modest Muslim woman must cover everything from her navel and down to her knees, when she is surrounded
To Drill or Not to Drill? The current crisis in energy supply has raised a number of concerns in the United States of America. Different people have come up with opposing views over the best method through which the problem of energy shortages can be handled best in the country. Some people propose that the United States should search for oil in areas that oil has not yet been exploited. For instance at Gulf Coast, Alaska and other places which has not yet been exploited in the country. On the other hand, some people propose that instead of drilling oils in other places, the United States should shift to other alternative sources of energy. These include wind, solar energy among others. However, this is opposed on the ground that adoption of a new source of energy will be expensive to the country. Through critical observation of both arguments, the one on the need for the country to reduce its overdependence is the best alternative. The country should rather adopt other renewable sources of energy like wind and sun. Overdependence on the oil has reduced energy security in the country. It has also significantly affected the economy negatively. Despite the fact that shifting to these new sources of energy is expensive, it is less expensive when viewed at the long run perspective. Once the country adopts these alternative methods, it will significantly supplement the oil sources of power. This will significantly help in reducing energy shortages. Explanation of Key Habits That Hinders My Thinking When Looking At the Opposing View and When Defending My Own There are several habits that pose a major hindrance in my effort in looking at the opposing view and defending my own ideas. One of the habits is own biases. Biasedness is a major hindrance since it makes it difficult to come up with the best views. Biasedness tends to divert our thinking through the perception that our views are the best. It affects us while evaluating other people’s views. This habit significantly affects our thinking while looking at the opposing view in relation to our own views. These habits can also be overcome through diversity thinking (Bacon 3). This ensures that the decision made is free from any kind of bias. Lack of adequate confidence is another habit which hinders critical thinking while analyzing opposing sides. Confidence is significant in critical thinking as it assures a person of his or her reasoning abilities (Paul 2). This significantly affects individuals in decision making. Things to Do To Overcome Those Habits That Are Hindering My Thinking There are several ways through which the habits that hinder critical thinking while looking for the opposing sides can be overcome. One of the ways through which these habits can be overcome is by being flexible while viewing both sides. Flexibility is important as it help a person to accommodate, adapt, change or modify ideas and thoughts (Paul 3)
Let us start by saying that very often it is very difficult to control the flow of money even in our everyday life. Sometimes we are very surprised by the changes of our budget that happen to be absolutely uncontrolled though we always try not to neglect it. So, what can we say about the way large companies and firms control their cash flows? We are sure that it is a far more complicated process than control of our cash flow. And it is sure to be absolutely impossible without statements of cash flows. Now we are to disclose the notion of the statement of cash flows. Our understanding of this term is the following: a cash flow statement is a financial document, a report that displays the outflow and inflow of cash during a certain period of time. It is necessary to analyze and study the cash flow statement, because it helps to assess the capability of the company very fast and the results obtained will be evident, correct and trustful. However, in case when the statement of cash flow is neglected, cash flow disclosure may be needed. In our essay we would like to present the summary of the article by Peter Reilly who is an analyst at Deutsche Bank. His article “End exploitation and act on cash flow disclosure” has captured our attention and we have found it very informative and useful. Reilly makes the reader interested at once, saying that he sometimes wonders “whether the highly intelligent people who set accounting standards live on the same planet …” (Reilly par. 1). That is so, because his goal as an analyst is to study the documents and reports of the companies for him to understand the real state of things there. He says: “Balance sheets are important, but tell you nothing about flows” (Reilly par. 2). Still, you have to find your way, because if you do not understand the cash flows, it means that you are absolutely ignorant of the company itself. And what is more, the worst consequence connected with poor cash flow disclosure is not inefficient capital market; it is the opportunities of th
The novel ‘The Third Life of Grange Copeland’ by Alice Walker is dedicated to the highlight of economical and racist oppression suffered by the society; it is a set of lives depicting gradual formation of the personality living in the environment of racial discrimination and striving for human happiness. Alice Walker demonstrates how families can be adversely affected by the culture in which they live, and are often blind to its effects through the depiction of ruthless and violent treatment of family members. The author argued as to the impact of economical and racial oppression on the development of manhood and interpersonal relationships; she centralizes social inequality promotion and its interference with family life of ordinary people. It is necessary to underline the idea that the author demonstrates relationships between father and son; through this aspect, she tried to depict the theme of manhood. Brownfield, a victim of the lack of love, especially by the father, is metaphorically blind because he is unable to love. Grange’s coldness and occasional violent words toward Brownfield, his only son, set in motion a ruthless violence. Brownfield’s father “never looked at him”; consequently, Brownfield never developed a sense of self worth. Furthermore, at least once Grange utters something violent to Brownfield; “I ought to throw you down the goddamn well.” (Walker, 10) The idea of manhood disclosure is expressed through the stress of responsibility articulated by Grange; the central point of the novel is dedicated to the importance of taking responsibility for committed actions. The theme of racial inequality and discrimination is considered to be one more theme raised by the author; in the presence of white people, Grange’s figurative blindness intensifies: “A grim stillness settled over his eyes and he became an object”. (Walker, 8) Grange also has “veiled eyes”: they are unseeing of the truth. When drunk, he “would make his way across the pasture and through the woods, headlong, like a blind man”. (Walker, 12) Grange is blind to options of how he can make his life different from his forefathers, how he does not have to be reduced to the low position in society, which he accepts. Manhood is also stressed through symbolism of the novel; the gun is a symbol of masculinity, a weapon, which frequently appears in the novel and represents the violence, which will dominate the lives of the novel characters. Grange sits on the porch, “cradling something in his arms. It was long and dark, like a steel rod, and glinted in the light”, a rifle. (Walker, 21) A gun appears again later in the novel when Grange has a final chance to rectify some of his past mistakes and attempts to show Brownfield that to continue the way he has, is not necessary, but Brownfield has only followed in his father’s footsteps of violence. “Brownfield lurched out onto the porch waving his shotgun.” Mem, his wife, “walked blindly toward the gun and Brownfield shot her face off”. Her child asks piteously, “’She sleeping… ain’t she?’ trying to see closed eyes where there were none at all”. (Walker, 172) Mem is blind al