Self Reflection on Communication Skills | Essay

Self Reflection on Communication Skills | Essay Introduction: The desire to have an understanding of the methods to use in improving relationships has led to the emergence of interpersonal communication. People normally assume that to effectively understand the process of interpersonal communication, they have to give an explanation of how relationships emerge and grow, factors that lead to their deterioration, and what makes these relationships to become static (Webster, 2002). Ever since scholars managed to demonstrate that people are able to grow relationally or personally through communication, information experts are sensitive on the importance of interpersonal interaction. It is virtually impossible to understand this process of interpersonal communication, without understanding the various theories and principles formed to explain the concept of interpersonal communication (Cherniss, 2001). Most of these theoretical frameworks normally address a wide range of topics, and some of themes they address include, social conflict, quality of relationship, interaction, communication competence and planning, accuracy required for people to understand one another. Therefore, the intention of this assignment is to compare two theoretical frameworks that are within the scope of interpersonal communication. These theories are, social penetration theory, and uncertainty reduction theory (Ellis, 2002)s. This paper is divided into five sections. The first section is the introduction, the second section highlights the concepts and philosophies of these theories, the third section identifies the similarities of these two theoretical frameworks, the fourth section highlights their differences, and the fifth section is a conclusion. The conclusion is a summary of the major points highlighted in this paper. Uncertainty Reduction Theory and Social Penetration Theory: Uncertainty reduction is a theoretical framework that seeks to understand the manner which people are able to reduce any uncertainty that occurs between them, during the early stages of interaction. This is always based on a sense of self-disclosure. Furthermore, this theoretical framework seeks to explain the different communication techniques that can be used for purposes of reducing uncertainty amongst two people, or a group of people, who have just met (Cherniss, 2001). The developers of this theoretical framework denoted that uncertainty is always unpleasant feeling that people normally want to avoid. For purposes of reducing this unpleasant feeling, people would try to look for information that seeks to address this uncertain feeling, hence create a more comfortable feeling. On the other hand, social penetration theory normally involves the development of a deeper intimacy, between the communicating parties, through a mutual self-disclosure. This theoretical framework has four major assumptions, and they include (Goleman and Boyatzis, 2004), The progress of relationships normally moves from non-intimate level, to the stage of intimacy. Development of relationships is systematic and predictable. The aspect of self-disclosure forms an integral part, in developing relationships. The development of relationships normally includes depenetration and dissolution. It is important to explain that the closeness between individuals under the social penetration theory is normally achieved through a sense of self disclosure. Without this aspect, it is virtually impossible for any relationship to occur. This is also one of the methods advocated by the uncertainty reduction theory, aimed at reducing uncertainties, and a feeling of uneasiness. Similarities: One of the major similarities between these two theoretical frameworks is that they deal with the creation of a relationship between individuals or people. For example, the social penetration theory explains that developing a close relationship with people, is achieved in an orderly and gradual manner, leading from a less intimate, to a more intimate relationship. On the other hand, uncertainty reduction theory explains that relationships are built through effective communication, between the parties involved (Blundel and Blundel, 2011). This means that the two theoretical frameworks are concerned with the creation and sustenance of relationships. Another similarity is that both theoretical frameworks advocate for a systematic and gradual process of building relationships. This means that a relationship is built through a systematic process that involves efficiency in the use of language tools and standards. For example, the two theories denote that it is possible to achieve and develop a close relationship through the process of self-disclosure (McLuhan and McLuhan, 2011). Differences: One major difference that exists between these two theoretical frameworks is on the process they use, to achieve their objectives. Under the uncertainty reduction theory, there are a series of steps and processes that an individual should use, for purposes of acquiring information. It seeks to acquire this information, by creating seven basic assumptions (Childre and Rozman, 2005). Some of these assumptions are, experience of uncertainty on personal issues, uncertainty is normally an aversive state, and it has the capability of generating cognitive stress, etc. On the other hand, under the social penetration theory, a relationship is created by disclosing information about an individual. Tools to use in improving my performance: For purposes of improving my communication performance, in a work related situation, there is a need of using the following tools of communication, Memos. Computer systems and technology, i.e. communicating through emails. Mobile phones and gadgets. Face to face communication. Conclusion: Interpersonal theories play an important role, in explaining the most efficient methods that an individual should use while communicating with other people. The social penetration theory and the uncertainty reduction theory are effective in explaining the most efficient methods of creating a personal, social, and work related relationships. Reflection Paper: This paper contains a reflection on my strengths and weaknesses in relation to how I communicate, and relate with my friends, family members, and colleagues. As an individual, I have come to appreciate the importance of developing and coming up with strong and good communication skills. This is because they would play an important role in determining whether I would sustain, create or develop a relationship. One of my major strengths lies in my ability to maintain a face to face conversation, through eye contacts (Worth, 2004). This is an important strength, mainly because I have the capability of gazing into the eyes of an individual that I communicate with, and hence instilling a sense of confidence, and creating some trusts. For efficient communication to occur, the parties to the communication must show some elements of confidence, and trust, amongst one another. Eye contact is one of the major methods that can be used to create a sense of confidence, amongst the parties to the c ommunication. It is important to explain that most people are always reluctant and unable to maintain some eye contacts. This is because they do not feel confidence about themselves, or some of them, are telling lies. Based on this fact, it is always difficult for an individual to maintain a relationship that is full of trust, if he or she finds it difficult to communicate while maintaining some eye contacts. It is also important to understand that, in most interviews, one of the characteristics that they look in an individual is his or her ability to maintain some elements of confidence (Worth, 2004). They are always concerned, if an individual can communicate without maintaining some eye contact. This means that the person under consideration is either telling lies, or is not confidence of him. Based on this fact, the candidate may fail an interview. Therefore, I would gladly say, that this trait, is one of my stronger points. Another major strength, that I have, is the capability of efficiently using the modern gadgets of technology to communicate (Worth, 2004). This includes, computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc. It is important to explain that these digital tools of communication are important in facilitating efficient communication between parties involved. Take for example the computers. Through the computers, an individual manages to get the capability of accessing the internet. The internet facilitates communication, mainly because it makes it possible for people to use the social media, as an avenue of meeting friends and communicating (Worth, 2004). As an individual, I have a heavy presence in the social media, and I am a member of virtually every social media platforms that exists. This includes twitter, Google +, Face book, Instagram, Linkedin, etc. These social media platforms normally help me to express myself, and to also create a network of friends. It is through these platforms, that I managed to learn on the importance of having efficient and good communication skills. However, it is important to explain that some of the relationships created through the social media platform are not necessary, and cannot last long (Stein, 2007). This is because of different personalities, and tastes that people would always have. Another major strength that I possess is my outgoing personality. I am an individual who likes to make friends, and sustain the friends under consideration. Because of this personality, I managed to develop some communication skills that involved better listening, and following up on any communication issue or problems that may occur between my friends and I. Through this personality, I have managed to create a number of friends, whom we understand each other. In conclusion, where strengths exist, weaknesses are also depicted. I have two weaknesses. One of my major weaknesses is my anger. I am an individual who is easily aroused to anger, and this is a very negative inter-personal communication skill. This is because; it has the capability of scaring my friends. This could result to inefficient communication between me, and my friends. Another major weakness is my talking habit. I am fast talkers, and it is always difficult for me to keep quiet, when I am with people. This normally compromises my ability to keep secrets, or confidential information. Despite these weaknesses, I normally make some efforts, aimed at concentrating on my strengths, while minimizing my weaknesses. Bibliography: Blundel, R., Blundel, R. (2004). Effective organisational communication:  Perspectives, principles and practices (2nd ed.). Harlow, England: Financial  Times Prentice Hall. Cherniss, C. (2001). The emotionally intelligent workplace how to select for measure,  and improve emotional intelligence in individuals, groups, and organizations.  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Childre, D., Rozman, D. (2005). Transforming stress: The HeartMath solution for  relieving worry, fatigue, and tension. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Ellis, R. (2002). Communication skills stepladders to success for the professional.  Bristol, UK: Intellect. Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R. (2004). Primal leadership: Learning to lead with emotional  intelligence. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press. McLuhan, E., McLuhan, M. (2011). Theories of communication. New York: Peter  Lang. Stein, S. (2007). Make your workplace great the 7 keys to an emotionally intelligent  organization. Mississauga, Ont.: J. Wiley Sons Canada. Webster, F. (2002). Theories of the information society (2nd ed.). London: Routledge. Worth, R. (2004). Communication skills (2nd ed.). New York: Ferguson.

The Importance of the Mare in Anton Chekhov’s Misery Essay -- Anton Ch

The Importance of the Mare in Misery  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Iona Potapov, the main character in Anton Chekhov’s short story, "Misery," is yearning for someone to listen to his woes. Every human he comes in contact with blatantly ignores his badly-needed-to-tell-story by either shunning him or falling asleep. There is, however, one character in this story that would willingly listen to Iona, a character who is with Iona through almost the entire story. This character is his mare. Renato Poggioli describes the story as being built "around two motionless figures, an animal and a man" (316). Iona and the mare are very much alike. They appear to be each other’s only companion, and they also act a lot alike. When Iona sits quietly, covered in snow that has recently fallen on him, his little mare is described as "white and motionless too" (17). Neither man nor mare cares move; both are still, frozen in time, waiting. Another example of the similar behavior between the two occurs when "the sledge driver clicks to the horse, cranes his neck like a swan. The mare cranes her neck, too" (18). As the story opens Iona sits in his sleigh desperately waiting for his first fare, and when that fare arrives he immediately starts to talk of his son’s death (18). Although his best possible friend – the mare – is already present to listen to his story, Iona does not come to this realization until much later in the story. At the beginning, he still believes that what he needs, and will be able to find, is another human being with whom to share his woes. The fare’s response to Iona’s story is, "have you gone cracked, you old dog? Look where you are going" (18). Iona, upset at this, continues to look around at the fare, in hopes of starting his story o... ... no longer keep silence about the death of his son. He speaks to the air, and the mare is listening. She doesn’t shun him, abuse him, or ignore him. She just listens, as any good animal would do. Works Cited Beck, Alan, M., and Aaron Honoria Katcher. "Animal Companions: More Companion Than Animal." Man and Beast Revisited. Ed. Michael H. Robinson and Lionel Tiger. Washington: Smithsonian P, 1991. 265-66. Chekhov, Anton. "Misery." The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991. 17-21. Hildebrandt, Sherri. "Another Kind of Grief." St. Paul Pioneer Press 13 Sept. 1998: 1-4. Poggioli, Renato. "Storytelling in a Double Key." Anton Chekhov’s Short Stories. Ed. Ralph E. Matlaw. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 1979. 316-317. Royal Bank of Canada. "Pets and Human Beings." Montreal: Royal Bank Letter, July/Aug. 1989.   

Technology and Climate in Iraq Essay -- Iraq Environment Technological

Technology and Climate in Iraq Since civilization was born in ancient Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, technology has been a driving factor in the growth and progress of the peoples of this region. Many of the new and changing technologies have been closely connected to the weather and climate of this unique part of the world. In my opinion, the three most important technological developments for Mesopotamia and Iraq over time have been irrigation, shelter and architecture, and the use of oil. Before we can make these connections between technology and the climate of Iraq, we must look at what makes this climate unique from others around the world. Iraq’s climate is classified as sub-desert and this gives the region two distinct seasons. First, the summers (May-October) in Iraq are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 120 ° F.1 Another important characteristic of the sub-desert summers is the lack of rainfall, since summer precipitation rarely climbs above one inch. On the contrary, the winter season normally has up to 10 inches of rainfall and milder, often cold temperatures. Those 10 inches of rain come in strong storms that can often lead to floods since the land is not prepared for large amounts of precipitation.2 Winter temperatures sometimes even drop to around freezing and frosts are not uncommon. Both of these distinct seasons have caused technological developments over the past 7000 years. As I wrote in my think piece, Mesopotamia is considered to be the birthplace of civilization and this development was fueled by technology. The invention of irrigation techniques around 5000 BC in the region between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers was the foundation for the development of the first towns and cities. Irrig... ...s: Monroe, ME. â€Å"Fossils into Fuel† http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/content/4/chemistry/fossils/p3.html Lamb, H.H. (1995) Climate, History, and the Modern World. Routledge Press: New York, NY Pollock, Susan. (1999) Ancient Mesopotamia. Cambridge University Press: New York, NY Roux, Georges. (1985). Ancient Iraq. Penguin Books: New York, NY â€Å"The Architecture of Irak: The Lost Art of Clay Construction† http://www.brainworker.ch/Irak/architecture.htm â€Å"The Iraqi Republic† http://i-cias.com/e.o/iraq.htm â€Å"Transportation in Iraq† http://united-states.asinah.net/american-encyclopedia/wikipedia/t/tr/transportation_in_iraq.html 1 Pollock, Susan Ancient Mesopotamia 2 Roux, Georges Ancient Iraq 3 Pollock 4 Lamb, H.H. Climate, History, and the Modern World 5 â€Å"The Architecture of Irak† 6 Everest, Larry Oil, Power, and Empire 7 â€Å"Fossils into Fuel†

Deconstruction in J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace

Being a post-colonial text, J. M. Coetzee’s Disgrace is a multi-layered narrative of deconstruction- from the language, the characters and their values, the setting and the context. Deconstruction is a strategy employed by J. M. Coetzee to present and critique the effects of colonialism within the South African post-apartheid context. After the removal of the apartheid system that has hounded South Africa for the longest time, one would expect a complete turnabout in values, beliefs and practice amongst the people and the community-both rural and urban.Coetzee subverts this expectation by depicting a post-apartheid life and existence that is still, in the metaphorical sense, imprisoned and clinging to the misery and antiquity of the colonial past. David Lurie, the lead character and the narrator in the literary text is a man who has drunk and gobbled many of life’s bitter disappointments- from his unfulfilled teaching days in a university turned technical college to his demotion as a caretaker of terminally ill animals in his daughter’s farm.Coetzee deconstructs David’s character by portraying him as a man still shackled from his own vices and values as well as from the old world that boxed and created him instead of a free, happy man in a post-apartheid environ(ment). On another level, David’s character undergoes deconstruction by being depicted as a Caucasian South African male in a time and place (post-apartheid) where the whites do hold as much power as they once used to. In terms of language, Coetzee’s prose is anti-realist. Truth and meaning in his narrative are not laid bare explicitly; it is covered and laced with undertones, symbols and irony.The novel also deconstructs â€Å"the romantic pastoral prototype of the farm novel tradition through its portrayal of a lonely and desolate farm, and through the narrator Magda, a lonely spinster suffocated by an environment of intellectual and spiritual drought† ( Subverting the pastoral: the transcendence of space and place in J. M. Coetzee's Disgrace 2006). Coetzee transforms the farm which often conjures up an image of one that is idyllic and laidback into a setting that is marred with unhappiness and disillusionment.

Racism as defined by mass media Essay

Oscar H. Gandy Jr. defines racism as, â€Å"the process of exercising power or seeking to exercise power with regard to people defined by identifying them as a member of a particular race.†1 Racism and race stem from the identity one puts onto certain groups of individuals based on their colour. The identity that one forms is acquired from a number of places including parents, religion, school, government and, on today’s youth, mainly mass media such as television and music. In this essay one will focus on the influence that mass media has on our identity position of race. It is obvious that all forms of print and electronic media, from news media to books, films, television, radio, and all other forms of media collectively represent our image of ourselves. 2 The focus for the purpose of this essay will be on news media, television and music, being the most influential forms of media, while focusing on the youth of today, being the easiest to influence. News media has great power in influencing how people identify themselves by how they are represented on the. The stereotypes that television has shown, are viewed by many young individuals of colour, and are portraying how their race is viewed upon among society. Music has the greatest influence on young African-Americans, which view their idols as those shown in music videos. Mass media in a collective form, although may represent individuals of colour, influence the viewers of colour, how they should distinguish themselves.3 Mass media reflects what we think we are and influences what we think we should be. Beginning with the news from a nation wide news station to a local newspaper or news program. News media has the ability to stereotype and categorize people of colour, by using words such as minority. Never are minorities not called minorities even when they take up one third of Canada’s population. Along with categorizing people of colour with the use of minority, they include words like crime, poverty and others that stereotype people of colour.4 This is viewed by young non-whites, which make them believe that this how things are and how they should be. The media now have the capability to alter our perceptions of ourselves, and change the way we live our lives. Young African-Americans, who view the news and see how their race is being represented, may possibly alter their perceptions of their lives and view themselves as criminals, when the news relates their race to criminal acts. The rarity of recognition a person of colour receives in the scholastic proceedings, is viewed among the youth of today. Of course there must be someone, somewhere of colour, â€Å"writing or saying something that should be listened to, or producing art that should be seen, heard, approached with intellectual seriousness.†5 This failure to recognize individuals of colour will influence youth not to pursue intellectual readings and to learn educational subjects, which are not represented by their race. In â€Å"Postmodern Blackness† by Bell Hooks, its states, â€Å"This discourse created the idea of the ‘primitive’ and promoted the notion of an ‘authentic’ experience, seeing as ‘natural’ those expressions of black life, which conformed to a pre-existing pattern or stereotype.†6 In the news when we see a person of colour committing a crime of some sort, we look at it as being a normal act and this how things are in our society. Whites and non-whites alike look upon the news and make assumptions about how they should act, what their values should be, and how they live their daily lives. The youth of today will be the first generation to come of age in a North America where racial minorities are the numeric majority. The future of diversity will depend upon a child’s perception on the position of racial identities. The youth of all races will have to expand their conception of race and race relations in ways their parents never knew. Is it important for children to see people of their own race on television? Children of colour are most likely to think so. Caucasian and African-American children can say they see characters of their race on television while Latino and Asian children are much less likely to see their race represented.7 It is the way they are represented which will affect the influence television will have on children. While some television stations do show diversification in their programming such as OMNI, they are not providing a realistic viewpoint. When a Caucasian character on television is poor, lazy and unintelligent, the show is considered to be comical, such as ‘The Simpson’s’ or ‘Married with Children’, and not taken as realistic. Whereas, when they are successful, rich and intellectual, the show is considered to be dramatic and viewed as being realistic. African-American characters are rarely presented as being poor, lazy and unintelligent, but always rich and successful, such as ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, and are always meant to be comical, but never taken seriously or realistically. Shows like these influence African-American children that their race is not taken seriously and are viewed as being humorous. This would affect a young African-American’s thinking is a sense that he is suppose to be a comedian. Many television shows give minority actors, minority roles. Taxi drives in most sitcoms are always non-white, grocery store workers and gas station attendants are always non-white, in shows such as ‘Seinfeld’. Although these sitcoms are not suppose to be taken realistic, young individuals of all races are more likely to associate positive characteristics with Caucasian characters and negative characteristics with minority characters. Sitcoms and other television shows have the ability to alter these perceptions, but continue to stereotype minorities. Still focusing upon the children of today, because they have great faith in the media’s power and it’s potential to influence them. Media can teach children that people of their race are important.8 If television had shows, which evenly distributed the role of characters to all races featuring equality and diversification, they can accomplish sending a message of the importance of all races. Children look to the media for role models and imitate their favourite character. From the way they dress, talk, style their hair to following the messages sent by their characters. From the haircuts of the women on ‘Friends’ to the baggy fashions of the hip-hop scene, the influence of media on today’s children can be seen everywhere. Beyond superficial messages about style and appearance, children are getting more formative messages from the media. The characters they admire and the news stories they watch send both subtle and explicit signals about their values, their families and their race.9 This shows the importance of the messages being sent out by mass media and the importance of different characters and the characteristics they portray. Many African-American children will look to African-American characters for idols and will portray them. In â€Å"The New Cultural Politics of Difference,† Cornel West states, The widespread modern European denial of the intelligence, ability, beauty, and character of people of colour puts a tremendous burden on critics and artists of colour to ‘prove’ themselves in light of norms and models set by White elites whose own heritage devalued and dehumanized them. In short, in the court of criticism and art – or any matters regarding the life of the mind – people of colour are guilty (i.e., not expected to meet standards of intellectual achievement) until ‘proven’ innocent (i.e., acceptable to ‘us’).10 The image that people of colour are guilty until proven innocent illustrates to young individuals of all colours that because of this, people of colour are not as intellectual as Caucasians. In â€Å"Postmodern Blackness,† Bell Hooks states, It is no accident that â€Å"rap† has usurped the primary position of rhythm and blues music among young black folks as the most desired sound or that it began as a form of â€Å"testimony† for the underclass. It has enabled underclass black youth to develop a critical voice as a group of young black men told me, a â€Å"common literacy.† Rap projects a critical voice, explaining, demanding, urging.11 To all young African-Americans, this message is saying that their only voice, their only outlet, is through entertainment in the way of music. They are not enough African-American writers to allow them to consider an outlet that is scholarly. They feel they have to portray the image that is being sent to them through rappers and musicians alike to dress, talk, walk and act the way these rappers ‘say they do,’ in drinking, smoking and heading for drugs. Young African-American men that watch rap videos, sports, movies and may see many men of their race in this forms of media, but the image they represent is that if you cannot make it as a rapper, actor or athlete, you’ll never become wealthy and successful. Rarely are there images on news media about wealthy African-American businessmen unless it’s criminal; rarely are business shows on television shown where black businessmen are the portrayal of the show. They may be a rarity, but should not be and ought to be discussed in business matters. Looking at music for influences, from Stanford, Kathleen O’Toole puts in best, Music alters and intensifies their moods, furnishes much of their slang, dominates their conversations and provides the ambiance at their social gatherings. Music styles define the crowds and cliques they run in. Music personalities provide models for how they act and dress.12 This states that music alters our perception of ourselves and what we should be and how we should act. Our identity is affected and changed according to music videos. Rap videos show African-American singers as doing drinking, smoking, having naked women around them and treating them inappropriately and this is how African-American youth thinks they should act, instead musicians need to send an suitable message out to the youth of today. Also, other races will feel that this is how African-Americans act and will treat them accordingly. Many African-American rappers have lyrics, which are against authority and this influences others alike to perceive the same thoughts. Everyone of every race has an identity they’d like to call their own. But this identity is usually not their own and influenced by many sources, especially mass media. From music to television to news media, the influence these have on the children of today is immense. Music, television and news media, collectively with other mass medium, have the ability to alter one’s perceptions of oneself and the characteristics of others. Race has always been a touchy subject because of its sensitivity and although I am a person of colour, I may have made some stereotypical comments of both whites and non-whites, but I did so only with the intent of making my point. Mass media reflects what we think we are and influences what we think we should be.    Bibliography Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. â€Å"I’m Looking for Me: Children’s Perception of Race and Class in the Media.† Family Matters Newsletter. October 2002. (20 Nov. 2003). Gandy, Jr., Oscar H. â€Å"On Race and the Political Economy of Communication.† Art & Survival: An Internet Review. Issue 2, Volume 1. (23 Nov. 2003). Hall, Stuart. â€Å"Cultural Identity and Diaspora.† Colonial Discourse and Post-Colonial Theory. Patrick William & Laura Chrisman, eds., Pp. 392-403, (c) Columbia University, 1994. Hooks, Bell. â€Å"Postmodern Blackness.† Yearning: Race, Gender, and Cultural Politics, Pp. 23-31, (c) Between the Lines, 1990. Lauder, Matthew. â€Å"News Media Perpetuation of Racism in a Democratic Society.† Cancon: Articles. (21 Nov. 2003). O’Toole, Kathleen. â€Å"Rock & Roll: Does it Influence Teens’ Behavior?† Stanford Report [Online]. 1997. (20 Nov. 2003). Third Way Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. â€Å"Children and Race in the Media.† Racism: The Public Face. Beyond the News. (21 Nov. 2003). West, Cornel. â€Å"The New Cultural Politics of Difference.† The Cultural Reader. 2nded. Simon during, ed., Pp. 256-267, (c) Routledge, 1999. 1 Gandy, Jr., Oscar H. â€Å"On Race and the Political Economy of Communication.† Art & Survival: An Internet Review. Issue 2, Volume 1. (23 Nov. 2003). 2 Third Way Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. â€Å"Children and Race in the Media.† Racism: The Public Face. Beyond the News. (21 Nov. 2003). 3 Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. â€Å"I’m Looking for Me: Children’s Perception of Race and Class in the Media.† Family Matters Newsletter. October 2002. (20 Nov. 2003). 4 Lauder, Matthew. â€Å"News Media Perpetuation of Racism in a Democratic Society.† Cancon: Articles. (21 Nov. 2003). 5 Hooks, Bell. â€Å"Postmodern Blackness.† Yearning: Race, Gender, and Cultural Politics, Pp. 24, (c) Between the Lines, 1990. 6 Ibid. 26. 7 Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. â€Å"I’m Looking for Me: Children’s Perception of Race and Class in the Media.† Family Matters Newsletter. October 2002. (20 Nov. 2003). 8 Third Way Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½. 9 Ibid 10 West, Cornel. â€Å"The New Cultural Politics of Difference.† The Cultural Reader. 2nded. Simon during, ed., Pp. 256-267, (c) Routledge, 1999. 11 Hooks, Bell. 27. 12 O’Toole, Kathleen. â€Å"Rock & Roll: Does it Influence Teens’ Behavior?† Stanford Report [Online]. 1997. (20 Nov. 2003).

Intermarriage †opposition Essay

Marshall Sklare was able to articulate the fears of many older Jews and he wrote: Intermarriage (and its sociodemographic consequences) can no longer be treated as marginal when it is the result of a deep-rooted sociopolitical ideology and value structure and a function of lifestyle, residential pattern and educational and occupational structure †¦ The intermarriage issue has become central to the internal struggles of American Jewry (1982, p. 37). Aside from the fact that the older generation seemed to be in a perpetual survival mode of existence, keeping to themselves to continue Jewish values and traditions, there is a deeper reason why many are opposed to the idea of exogamy. Steven Bayme explains that the rise of intermarriage is a threat because it can only mean the, â€Å"†¦ decline of Jewish commitment, a weakness in Jewish identity, a failure of Jewish education and the Jewish family to bring about the commitment to Jewish continuity†¦ † (2002, p. 226). If this is true then it will just reveal the error of their ways. This is because suppressing the symptoms will not make the sickness go away. If the symptom for impiety and the shortcomings of a flawed educational system is the high rate of intermarriage then opposing exogamy will not change the fact that there is problem with Judaism. Traditionalists made their opinions known; that they do not agree to intermarriages but this seems to be an idea suited for past generations who cannot see the possibility of compromise in the land of the heathen. A popular 1950s joke regarding this matter was an accurate depiction of how parents felt about their children marrying non-Jews. The following dialog is between a young Jewish soldier coming home from the Korean War and his mother. Before the young man left Korea he calls his mother to inform her about the good news (Shapiro, year, p. 233). Son: I have survived the war without being wounded. Mother: That is good. Son: I am bringing home a Korean wife Mother: That is also good. Son: We don’t have a place to live. Mother: That’s okay. You can stay in my apartment. Son: But you live in a one-bedroom apartment. Mother: That’s no problem. After I put the phone down I am going to jump out of the window, and you will have the entire apartment to yourself. According to Bayme, when it dawned upon the Jewish community that intermarriage is snowballing into something that can overwhelm them, the reaction was radical and aimed at the jugular to forcibly stop the perceived madness and he adds: When the first news of the growth of intermarriage occurred, communal leaders responded with agony and handwriting. Virtually all Jewish organizations passed resolutions and statements signaling opposition to intermarriage. Conferences were held about what we can do in the face of this tidal wave (2002, p. 226). Calvin Goldsheider pointed out that even as late as the 20th century the reaction was fairly dramatic. Opposition to the marriage was made plain by, â€Å"†¦ Jewish mourning rituals of sitting shiva or reciting kaddish†¦ † (2004, p. 29). It must have been a disconcerting sight for a son to see his parents lamenting his decision to take a bride not from his people. Rising Tide But it seems that no matter what type of measures was put in place to discourage interfaith marriages; more and more Jews chose to be joined with a non-Jew. It is therefore understandable that others may conclude rebellion to the norms and traditions of Judaism as the number one culprit. But more and more studies claim the contrary. In fact Shapiro remarked the traditional scape goat for the high rate of intermarriage no longer applies. Marshall Sklare, a noted sociologist on American Jewry, warned that, â€Å"†¦ attributing intermarriage among Jews to self-hatred, cowardice in the face of anti-Semitism, or social climbing misread its etiology †¦ because marriages with Gentiles increased while anti-Semitism was dwindling and many of the social traditional status distinctions were being swept away† (as qtd. in Shapiro, 1992, p. 235). Bayme supports the finding of Shapiro and Sklare and was very practical in his approach for he said that differences in religion are not a significant consideration to young couples of today. Bayme also added that American society values romantic love more than it values differences in religious beliefs. And to top all that Jews are contending with an unexpected external force, â€Å"†¦ 87 percent of Americans welcome marriage to a Jew†¦ † a rather surprising revelation considering what the Jews had to endure for centuries (2002, 226). Now if the reasons for the rising rate of interfaith marriages can be explained in terms of love, openness, acceptance and the realization that every human being is created equal in the sight of God then what kind of community will dare go against universally accepted principles? More so, what kind of community will have the resolve to continually fight for exogamy in the face of a â€Å"love† assault? Surely, only a few can resist the advances of a determined lover and that may well be the number one reason why this crisis – at least in the eyes of Jewish elders – could not be contained. Resolution Marshall Sklare minced no words in asserting that there are only two definitive actions that can be used to settle the issue: 1. Change the social structure and value orientation of the American Jewish community; or 2.accommodate and accept the intermarried (1982, p. 37). Since option no. 1 is clearly unacceptable then the Jewish people are only left with one choice and it is to go out and welcome the non-Jew spouse into Jewish life. This is a view espoused by Calvin Goldscheider who believes that it is a blessing in disguise and contrary to antiquated and popular opinion the high rate of intermarriage will ensure the survival of the Jewish race both in numbers and in cultural distinctiveness. A seemingly incompatible set of ideas considering the nature of Jewish life. Goldscheider summarizes his argument into the following statements: The key indicators of an ethnic community’s strength, however, are not who marries whom, but the activities that their grandchildren engage in. A group’s continuity depends on the ethnic and religious commitments of the family. Focusing on families and the ethnic commitments of the young redirects questions about assimilation away from biology and marriage and toward economic activities, cultural obligations and how parents pass on traditions to their children. In this regard, the American Jewish community is surviving, maybe even thriving† (2003, p. 282). Goldscheider arrived at the aforementioned conclusion as a consequence of the following research findings: ? The decline of the American Jewish community is a product of exaggeration and sensationalization of the facts; ? Interfaith marriages were assumed to result in complete and immediate conversion of the Jewish partner into non-Jewish religion, practices, and customs;? the terms used to define modern day Jews were biased towards the already assumed conclusion that there is a significant decline in their numbers; ? The numbers did not add up considering that there is a significant number of non-Jewish spouses who convert to Judaism, or informally integrate into the community and follow Jewish customs and traditions; and ? previous studies did not account the fact that in many intermarriages the intermarried couples decided that their children will grow up as Jews or at least encourage them to practice Jewish customs and traditions.

Aprasia

l Burns: Understanding Nursing Research, 5th Edition Appraisal Exercises Critical Appraisal Guidelines for Qualitative Studies Research Article: Stress and nursing care needs of women with breast cancer during primary treatment: A qualitative study QUALITATIVE CRITICAL APPRAISAL GUIDELINES|KEY CONCEPTS INAPPRAISAL| Problem Statement1. Identify the clinical problem and research problem that led to the study. 2. How did the author establish the significance of the study? In other words, why should the reader care about this study? || Purpose and Research Questions1. Identify the purpose of the study. . List research questions that the study was designed to answer. If the author does not explicitly provide the questions, attempt to infer the questions from the answers. 3. Were the purpose and research questions related to the problem? 4. Were qualitative methods appropriate to answer the research questions? || Literature Review1. Did the author cite quantitative and qualitative studies relevant to the focus of the study? What other types of literature did the author include? 2. Are the references current? 3. Identify the disciplines of the authors of studies cited in this paper.Does it appear that the author searched databases outside of CINAHL for relevant studies? 4. Did the author evaluate or indicate the weaknesses of the available studies? 5. Did the literature review include adequate information to build a logical argument? Another way to ask the question: Did the author provide enough evidence to support the verdict that the study was needed? | 4. The author mentioned limitations of the study by a bias. Some women who were mentally unstable, or if the nurses felt as if they would be over whelmed with the interview were excluded. 5.The author did go into detail about the many things that are need for a patient with breast cancer. | Frame of Reference 1. Did the author identify a specific perspective from which the study was developed? If so, what was it? 2. When a researcher uses the grounded theory method of qualitative inquiry, the researcher may develop a framework or diagram as part of the findings of the study. Was a framework developed from the study findings? |1. The author did not mention a specific form which the study was developed. In my opinion it was developed to help with the coping of breast cancer in women. 2.The framework was to include the specific strain influencing the women affected during the time, the needs and expectations they had of the nurses. | Research Tradition1. Identify the stated or implied research tradition upon which the study was based. 2. Were the methods used in the study consistent with the research tradition? |1. There was not a stated research tradition stated but the implied one was phenomological research because it was based on real life situations. 2. The method used was consistent with the research tradition. The participants were interviewed and allowed to answer questions.They touched on many aspects of the strains when dealing with breast cancer. | Sampling and Sample1. Identify how subjects were selected. 2. At what sites were subjects recruited for the study? Did the sites for recruitment fit the sampling needs of the study? 3. What were the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the sample? 4. Were the selected subjects able to provide data relevant to the study purpose and research questions? 5. How many people participated in the study? Did any potential subjects refuse to participate? Did any of the participants start but not finish the study? |1.The 42 women were chosen by the nurses ate the hospital. They had to meet the following criteria early tumors, no further metastases elsewhere, no malignant pre-existing disease or neoadjuvant therapy, and the ability to understand the German language. Pg. 122. The patients were recruited while impatient in the hospital. That was a proper site for recruitment for this study because they were determining the stress and nursing care. 3. The inclusion was aimed at women with breast cancer in the stage of surgical procedures as primary therapy. The average ages of the women were 55 and the youngest person was 33 and the oldest was 79. g12 | Data Collection1. How were data collected in this study? 2. What rationale did the author provide for using this data collection method? 3. Identify the time period for data collection of the study. 4. Describe the sequence of data collection events for a participant. || Protection of Human Participants1. Identify the benefits and risks of participation addressed by the authors. Were there benefits or risks the authors do not identify? 2. How were recruitment and consent techniques adjusted to accommodate the sensitivity of the subject matter and possible vulnerability of participants? . How were data collection and management techniques adapted in acknowledgment of participant sensitivity and vulnerability? || Data Management and Analysis1. Describe the data man agement and analysis methods used in the study. 2. Did the author discuss how the rigor of the process was assured? 3. What measures were used to minimize the effects of researcher bias? 4. Did the data management and analysis methods fit the research purposes and data? || Findings1. Did the findings address the purpose of the study? 2. Were the data sufficiently analyzed? 3.Were the interpretations of data congruent with data collected? 4. Did the researcher address variations in the findings by relevant sample characteristics? || Discussion1. Did the results offer new information about the target phenomenon? 2. Were the findings linked to findings in other studies or other relevant literatures? 3. Describe the clinical, policy, theoretical, and other significance of the findings. Does the author explore these applications? || Logic and Form of Findings1. Were readers able to hear the voice of the participants and gain an understanding of the phenomenon studied? . Were elements of the research report easily found by readers? 3. Did the overall presentation of the study fit its purpose, method, and findings? 4. Was there a coherent logic to the presentation of findings? || Evaluation Summary1. Do the findings provide a credible reflection of reality? If so, how can the findings be used in nursing practice? 2. What do the findings add to the current body of knowledge? 3. State the conclusion of the critical appraisal of the study. || References cited in this appraisal that were not cited in the article: