ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Rich’s poem is very accessible and easy to read. Her poetry reflects the historical and literary context in which it is set. The thesis of this review of the poem Aunt Jennifer is that a strong theme for Rich is the belief in the socio-political and economic equality of women and men. The gender conflict depicted in the poem reflects also a universal struggle for equality in power relationships in other social institutions, such as between ethnicity (Anglo- and “Other”-American), democracy and communism; or class divides. The world can be a soul-destroying place, harsh and unforgiving creating situations of bondage for many humans, not only Aunt Jennifer. The poem is set in North America during the 1960s to 1970s, the era of the Vietnam War and the feminist movement. Main body The poem reflects on the married life of ‘Aunt Jennifer’ and the social mask that she wears within a patriarchal cal society. Polarization of genders is evident as Aunt Jennifer’s victimization is made known, ironically through the absence of her husband, his “power” remains through the ring on her finger and by her internal belief system that she as a woman is not equal to him. Custom and law as remaining over from the constricted society of the 1950s (given the sacrifices that had to be made to survive the Great Depression) are symbolized by the Uncle (male). The poem serves to illustrate the experiences of a middle-class Anglo woman within her patriarchal society. Simultaneously, the poem seeks to illustrate the struggles, miseries, grief, and ways of coping for those across the globe who are socially excluded or marginalized. The topaz denizens represent her soul’s courage, grace, and desire for freedom which is not present outside of her sewing. Her wedding band is a heavyweight, a burden holding her back from the dreams of her heart. As an ideological piece, the poem has feminist overtones as it brings forth the life experience of a person who has been marginalized within her society based on her gender role (she is a woman). Aunt Jennifer feels oppressed and anxious about the world outside of her and so had created for herself an alternate world where she can dissociate and live in freedom; only she lives through her imagination. The three quatrains summarize, describe and expose the effects of patriarchy on one white female. It is clear from this text that she does not hate men, rather representing a woman as a tiger that is hunted by males implies that she is illustrating the reverse; acknowledging her awareness of the hate and fear of men of women who are both beautiful and destructive in men’s eyes. Rich strives to bring awareness to the fundamental issues of women at her time of writing. During the 1960s and 1970s was the Vietnam War and the feminist movement were demonstrations of social reaction against the constraints of the 1950s; also known as the feminine mystique period. Rich’s poems enable the blending of political contexts and personal responses to be communicated to the reader. Rich uses free verse and solitary in this dialogue, moving away from narrowly constructed traditional forms of rhyming poetry to produce lyrical verse that
Education plays an important role in every individual’s life and the whole nation’s destiny. For this reason, the emphasis should be put on the content of the national education programs, having a significant impact on the consciousness of the growing generation. However, there is much space for improvement in contemporary education systems inducing students to do the monotonous primitive assignments. Descriptions of the American School System by Michael Moore in Idiot Nation and John Gatto in Against School are similar to my own high school experience full of boredom and dissatisfaction. Description of school lessons in Gatto’s Against School is close to my own perception of the teaching-learning process but helps to view the problem from a new perspective. Teachers and students as the main participants of the teaching-learning process are inclined to shift the responsibility for the low effectiveness of the programs on each other. On one hand, learners blame their tutors in lack of knowledge and inability to generate their interest. Most young people consider their teachers to be the party responsible for their low academic achievements. My own high school lessons did not become a memorable experience for me. I remember the monotonous routine of doing the same senseless assignments day by day. It was really hard for me and my classmates to come to realization of the usefulness of learning the enormous amounts of theoretical materials and sitting around, wasting our time. It seemed that our program was separated from the rest of life and there was hardly any link between the class discussion and the reality outside the classroom. Our tutors explained that the education programs were not aimed at entertaining learners. The high school lessons were compared to taking medicines, being unpleasant but useful. We wondered why it was impossible to combine the business with pleasure and make the lessons more exciting and closer to reality. Receiving the grades remained the primary motivation for learning the materials and developing skills for me and other learners. On the other hand, suffering from the ineffectiveness of the education programs, teachers are bored at the lessons as well but they shift the responsibility on their students. “Boredom is the common condition of schoolteachers, and anyone who has spent time in a teachers’ lounge can vouch for the low energy, the whining, the dispirited attitudes, to be found there” (Gatto XIII). John Gatto’s description of education process is rather realistic, viewing the issue from the teachers’ perspective and providing the educators’ opinion of the problem. Gatto shed light on the endless circle of the teachers’ and students’ attitudes towards the education programs. I agree with the author that concentrating on the searches of the responsible party, the participants of the teaching-learning process do not look for the ways to enhance its effectiveness. I completely agree with Moore who puts emphasis on the content of contemporary education programs as the key factor for increasing their effectiveness. Actually, the idea of combining the busi
Introduction The business plan focuses on the establishment of a Middle-Eastern restaurant and hookah bar known as Karam. It will stand out from the competition because of its uniqueness and strong identity amongst the immigrant Arabic population. The restaurant will also offer flawless service and excellent cuisine in order to increase its market base (Covello & Hazelgren, 2005). According to health survey conducted by healthcare organizations, various health issues were identified of which obesity and overweight became the centre of focus by the community members. Such issues are considered to result from poor lifestyle and unhealthy diets as well as increased level of sedentary lifestyles (Must et al., 1999). Large percentages of people were found facing this health challenge of which was seen as major threat to health for the Arabs and other communities living in foreign countries (Dehghan et al., 2008). The statistics taken amongst Jewish community in Chicago revealed that over half of all children were suffering from overweight. Such revelation are usually related to negative health outcomes such as low life expectancy, diabetes, heart disease, social and emotionally related problems (Mokdad et al., 2003). The kind of statistics revealed on obesity prevalence amongst Arab community showed alarming figures. This prompted schools, organizations and community at large to create new programs and policies capable of containing the disease. Most of the programs designed, focused on limiting sedentary behaviors and encouraging initiatives on food restaurants by different communities. Many cultures have created their own appropriate ways of curbing health related issues within the communities. This is eminent amongst races such as Arabs, Africans Americans, Hispanic as well as Native Americans. However, such cultural health intervention measures were found to be absent amongst communities such as those associated with Orthodox Judaism and Jewish origin. Concerning eating habits statistics revealed that two-thirds of all foreigners failed to consume appropriate balanced diet on a daily basis. On the same note close to one-third of children consumed fast food on a weekly basis with obese children recording close to 38% and non-overweight children standing at 28% (National Centre for Education Statistics (NCES), 2008). Majority of the children seem to consume baked goods on frequent occasions a week as well as junk f
Abstract Language is one of the defining factors that differentiate human beings from animals. The ability of human being to use clear structured words instead of random sound used by animals makes human being unique. However, it is interesting to know how the language came into existence. It is interesting to know how the language evolved. While others believed that language is something that comes naturally with the words encoded in one’s genes, others have believed that language is an evolutionary process that has been in constant change over the years as new objects and new actions are being invented. Professor Simon Kirby is one of the scientists who have had great interest in knowing the evolution of the language and understanding how it is influenced by people over the century. This professor used volunteers in a laboratory and created words for alien fruits. The first participant would be given the names of all the fruits, and after mastering the names, the participants would read out the name of the fruits once its picture is shown. The next participant would be given the same fruits, but with the names given by the previous participant. This went one to the ninth person. Professor Kirby notes that the language slowly changed from unstructured language that it was initially, to a clearly structured language with regularly parts to reflect the fruits’ colour and design. This demonstrated how this language evolved from a complex unstructured language, to a simple structured and easy to remember words. Introduction Human being is considered superior amongst all other creatures on earth. This may be because of the mystery that man has created with the help of technology, or other achievements that man has made over animals. However, Kirby (1999, p. 19) says that one of the leading factors that makes human beings unique is his ability to communicate using a clearly structured language. This scholar says that although animals have the capacity to make sounds, they lack the capacity to use language as human being does. Theirs is limited to sounds unique to the information they want to pass across. It is interesting to know how the language came into existence, and how it has evolved over the years. According to Huff (2009, p. 117), it is fascinating trying to understand how the language came into existence. Some questions such as who were first people to use the language, what were the very first words, how did they come up with the words, how has this language evolved over generations, and much more are some of the questi
Introduction The Civil Rights Movement is associated with several brave and committed individuals who changed the American society. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X are regarded as two most influential figures within the movement. They became symbols of the struggle for equality and true democratic values. It is noteworthy that King and Malcolm X struggled for the rights of African Americans, but their views, as well as methods used, differed significantly. King focused on the collaboration and unity of all races within the American society while Malcolm X promoted Black supremacy. Martin Luther King chose peaceful methods, but Malcolm X tended to use violent actions. At that, the views of these prominent individuals became nearer in their later periods. Apart from struggling for the rights of African Americans, both leaders started paying attention to the rights of the poor, as well as issues associated with capitalism and the US imperialism (Howard-Pitney 21). During their late periods, Malcolm X also became more tolerant while Martin Luther King became more militant, which was the result of their activities and the outcomes of their preaching and philosophy, but they never accepted the methods of each other in their entirety. Major Difference As has been mentioned above, Martin Luther King promoted nonviolent methods of struggle. The primary reason for the leader’s commitment to nonviolent methods was the source of this philosophy. King stated that he studied various philosophies prior to developing his paradigm of struggle (King, Pilgrimage to Nonviolence, 42). King also stressed that the major concepts he adopted were taken from the “Sermon on the Mount and the Gandhian method of nonviolent resistance” (King, Pilgrimage to Nonviolence, 43). King explained his commitment to these principles saying that “Christ furnished the spirit and motivation while Gandhi furnished the method” (King, Pilgrimage to Nonviolence, 43). Martin Luther King was a Baptist minister, so this can be the reason why he remained faithful to the major Biblical principles. As for Malcolm X, this leader focused on the violent struggle as he believed that no other way could be possible. This worldview could be explained by the hardships Malcolm X had to go through during his childhood and adolescence. In his autobiography, he claimed that there was too much violence in his family as four (out of five) of his uncles and his father were killed (Malcolm X, From Nightmare to Salvation, 48). He also shared his belief, “I, too, will die by violence” (Malcolm X, From Nightmare to Salvation, 48). He and his siblings were taken from their mother, which also contributed to the boy’s going “swiftly downhill” (Malcolm X, From Nightmare to Salvation, 50). His criminal behavior wa
The New York Times market and financial performance depends on how the publishing company conducts its marketing, value creation and customer service. The proprietor of the publishing company has a choice to ensure that marketing becomes a core philosophy in achieving organizational goals. In this regard, the company’s new perspective on marketing should refocus in understanding the fundamental concepts of effective management. Already, the New York Times is perceived as a household name among other mainstream media companies (The Future of the New York Times, 2005, para. 2). In this regard, an effective marketing strategy should aim to achieve an appealing effect among its target markets. Using a competent marketing staff to complement the research and development outfit in creating the company’s marketing mix is necessary (McDonald & Wilson, 2011). Understanding marketing fundamentals like the target market is critical when avoiding wastage. In this regard, establishing a target market and learning the consumer behavior provides an input when strategizing on customer service and product development. Moreover, understanding the target market in relation to developing a marketing mix is essential for a publishing company that is reviving its financial capabilities. The marketing mix provides information required for the publishing company when respond to uncontrollable factors such as the economy, technology, diverse cultures and politics (Gilligan & Hird, 2012). Many activities in marketing requires much research and input before a real decision making process is initiated. For example, an environmental and consumer analysis precedes product and price planning. In addition, products cannot be promoted before planning on physical distribution channels. The New York Times requires a new approach towards identifying opportunities and identifying market potential. In this regard, the use of PEST analysis plays a crucial role in understanding and predicting the company’s performance when subjected to prevailing, political, economic, social and technological issues. In this context, the New York Times involvement with political issues requires a redress. Perhaps, reporting on issues that do not cause a political outra
Management or top positions in an American organization are among the fastest-growing occupations during the period of the past 20 years. Unfortunately, these occupations include jobs not traditionally held by African American women who comprise the new workforce. Consequently, one challenge for American companies is to incorporate a more diverse labor force into high-status, high-skill management roles. In Part-I of this paper, we examine the current status of African American women in management, including some current changes. We discover potential remedies for the problems that endure, including programs and practices currently being applied in U.S. companies, as well as research directions that may increase our understanding of related issues. The literature on African American women is substantial, evidenced in part by the number of literature reviews done. There is substantial evidence that African American women encounter a “glass ceiling” in management. The glass ceiling is an idea popularized in the 1990s to describe a barrier so subtle that it is transparent yet so strong that it prevents African American women from moving up in the top positions of an organization or management hierarchy. Nowadays, women fill nearly a third of all management posts, but most are stuck in jobs with little authority and relatively low pay. African American women do not fare any better in management in government or educational institutions. The American government reported only 8.6 percent, women, in Senior Executive Service levels, with most female employees clustered in low-paying, non-prestigious GS 5–10 levels. In the education sector, Sandler’s 1986 findings show that “on the average, colleges and universities nationwide employ 1.1 senior women (dean and above) per institution” (p. 14). Those African American women who have moved into management often find reward differentials. There is proof that at higher occupational levels, women are less satisfied with their package than are men (Varca, Shaffer, & McCauley, 1983). One study of 2,600 workers found substantial wage differences between men and women in managerial positions (Drazin & Auster, 1987); another reported that “women at the vice presidential
The story is set during the Great Depression (Gradesaver; Enotes), and it starts in the Salinas River, somewhere “a few miles south of Soledad” (Par 1) with two men walking the same disgruntled path while seeing the world in extremely different views. Meet George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant workers who have become the unlikeliest partners in life – George is a small and quick man, “with restless eyes and sharp, strong features,” while Lennie is “a huge man…with large, pale eyes” (Par 4). In the beginning of chapter one it would already be established that George is Lennie’s leader (Par 5) and in the latter parts, he is Lennie’s keeper, given that Lennie is helpless without him (Par 7; Par 135). Their relationship is amusing at times, what with two grown men threatening to leave each other with empty words (Par 105; Par 106; Par 112), as well as heartbreaking, for their closeness was sweet and gentle (Par 111), and yet also very plausible (Par 113), thus making their exchanges more real. Notable is the fact that Steinbeck was able to introduce three minor yet important figures at the start of his novel: Aunt Clara, the dead woman who presumably raised Lennie (Par 84); the woman back in their hometown, Weed, who was the reason why they had to escape and begin anew for themselves in the first place (Par 97), and the rodents, particularly the mice and rabbits, with the mice establishing Lennie’s mental condition as well as his tendency to break lives accidentally (Par 84) while the rabbits displaying his fragile, child-like nature (Par 42) and innermost simplistic desires (Par 132). Steinbeck makes sure his theme on nature and his comparison between mice and men never goes unnoticed as he likens Lennie to animals in many of his paragraphs, from the description of how he moves (Par 4; Par 5; Par 72; Par 76; Par 80) to the way George always praises him with “Good boy!” (Par 53; Par 137) and even to his desire to live an idyllic life (Par 110). Throughout chapter one, Steinbeck uses recurring symbols and imagery that would repeat itself during the last chapter of the book, though that is not the focus of this analysis; what this paper will focus on is how the author foreshadows the main events of the plot (CliffNotes), and how he scattered subtle yet foreboding clues as to the direction of the story while casting vivid imagery upon the reader’s imagination. The exposition came in the middle of the story, as George talks to himself about the misfortunes Lennie has bestowed upon him through time (Par 97), and how despite that, they will still strive to brave their odds so long as they did so together, because that’s what set them apart from the other guys (Par 125). The plot twist also came early, as it was shown that Lennie liked stroking soft things, and that he did not believe it to be a bad thing (Par 120). And Steinbeck offered his audience a clean view of the end when George made Lennie promise “to hide in the brush” (Par 141) if he gets in trouble again, as if it was an absolute fact to be expected. The most
The period of the Crusades is one of the most controversial times in Medieval History because this period was the era of many dramatic wars based on religious and political fundament. The wars between the Christians and Muslims for the Holy Land led to changing the relations between the religious groups and nations, and the period of the long-term religious confrontation started. The First Crusade of 1096-1099 was developed as the reaction of Pope Urban II to the appeal of Alexius Comnenus, the Byzantine emperor, for help in the Middle East. The Muslims took Jerusalem in the 11 th century, and the development of Byzantine was at risk because of the Seljuk Turks’ active attacks. Thus, Alexius Comnenus asked Pope Urban II for assistance in fighting the Turks and for protecting the Holy Land from the Muslim impact (Chevedden, 2013, p. 1-5). To analyze the role of the First Crusade in shaping the further relations of the Christians and Muslims, it is necessary to discuss the event from both perspectives. Although the Europeans started the First Crusade in order to respond to the religious goal of freeing the Holy Land from the Muslims, the actions of the crusaders were also influenced by the economic and political factors, and the Muslims’ response to the crusade was based on the nature of the political situation in the region during the 11 th century. The Reasons of the West for Starting the First Crusade In 1095, Pope Urban II asked the Christians to unite in order to help Byzantine in fighting the enemy who could conquer the Holy Land and control numerous religious shrines. The obvious threat to the Holy Land was the stated rea