3333750-247650 Essays - 20th Century In The United States, Politics

3333750-247650 Essays - 20th Century In The United States, Politics 3333750-247650 "I Have a Dream" is a public speech delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he calls for an end to racism in the United States and called for civil and economic rights. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. , the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement . He was assassinated in 1968. 00 "I Have a Dream" is a public speech delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he calls for an end to racism in the United States and called for civil and economic rights. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. , the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement . He was assassinated in 1968. 1 I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American , in whose 5 symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation . This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. 10 But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. 15 In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence , they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. 20 Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. 25 Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a 30 beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be

newjackBelly of the beast essays

newjackBelly of the beast essays In The Belly Of The Beast by Jack Henry Abbott and Newjack by Ted Conover Jack Henry Abbott's book, In The Belly Of The Beast is as autobiographical account of the authors lifelong experiences in penal institutions while serving time for numerous petty crimes as a child to murder in later years. He offers a wide array of attacks on various American institutions in society while trying to defend his position as victim of societys pitfalls. The self-educated author encapsulates the reader by presenting stories, through letters, of the horrific reality of prison life. Although considered psychopathic, his rendition lends an enormous amount of insight and allows us to feel a need to reform a prison system that may not deserve the name of correctional facility. The book offers everything from tormenting accounts of his time in "the Hole" to foundations of political philosophies of Kant and Marx. In a time when crime literature was surging, it is somewhat difficult to determine the authors initial intent to engage his readers in somewhat of a public awareness notice. After all, his life of crime began while a teen and his adult rendition of a perfect knife stabbing does not lend acceptance to being seen as an American outlaw saint. Originally a protg of Norman Mailer, Abbotts letters were seen as being written by the elite of the prison population with an intellectual vision of a diseased society. He gives the reader an analysis how prison is designed to gut and corrupt the timid, and break or brutalized the weak. Abbott makes claim that his loss of constitutional rights in a society unjust led him to surrender to an unspoken prison constitution for the rest of his life. While Jack Henry Abbott can submit to being an authority on the reality of incarceration, we have a desire to review an opposition account on what it is like to be on the other side of the ...

Strategic Management in Singapore Airlines Research Paper

Strategic Management in Singapore Airlines - Research Paper Example This research report introduces airline industry in general and Singapore Airline in specific. It includes a brief history of the company. However, the focus is on the mission and vision of the company and on the profile of Board of Directors, which run the strategic management of the company. Current marketing strategy of the company is also under discussion. Introduction Air travel is an essential requirement of today’s global world. It provides its users with an easy, fast, and comfortable mode of travel. However, with the economic and social development of the world resulting in almost every developed country launching its international airline, air travel has become an option with considerably large number of choices. Every airline is competing with other airlines to enlarge their customer base on bases of airfare, comfort, services, and travel route. In this competitive environment, the name of â€Å"Singapore Airline† holds a lot of worth. The airline from its la unch until today has grasped a huge share of international air travelers due to its excellent and expert services. The airline with its slogan â€Å"a great way to travel† works hard to provide its customers with the promised experience of excellence. The company describes itself as â€Å"Singapore Airlines has evolved into one of the most respected travel brands around the world. We have one of the world's youngest fleet in the air, a network spanning five continents, and the Singapore Girl is our symbol of quality customer care and service. Customers, investors, partners, and staff — everyone expect excellence of us† (Singapore Airline, 2012). History On 28 January 1972, the Singapore government founded Singapore airline (SIA). It was incorporated as a limited liability public company, completely owned by the Singapore government (Singapore Investor Association, 2006). â€Å"The history of the company dates back to 1947 with the initiation of a scheduled serv ice of Malayan Airways Ltd between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur† (Singapore Airlines, 2012). With the addition of international services and formation of â€Å"Federation of Malaysia in 1963,† the airline acquired the new name of â€Å"Malaysian Airways Ltd† (Singapore Airlines, 2012). Government of Malaysia and Singapore in 1966 acquired joint control of the airline and renamed it to â€Å"Malaysia- Singapore Airline Ltd† (Securities Investor Association, 2006). However, MSA in 1971 was restructured in to two entities: Malaysia Airline System Bhd and SIA (Singapore Airlines, 2012). Mission Singapore airlines describe its mission through its mission statement. The mission statement clearly identifies the main objectives of the company. The statement is as follows: â€Å"Singapore Airlines is a global company dedicated to providing air transportation services of the highest quality and to maximizing returns for the benefits of its shareholders and employeesà ¢â‚¬  (Singapore Airline, 2012) Vision The company considers itself a citizen of the world and aims to excel not only as an excellent company but also as an excellent and responsible citizen of the world. It aims to fulfill this mission, which it believes to be actually its responsibility by enhancing the lives of the people they come in contact with. This is the reason that the company has made numerous commitments to the art, education, communities and health and welfare of their countries’ citizens and of those countries it flies to. It also feels a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment, and so holds a strong commitment towards environment preservation for the future generation (Singapore Invest

Natural rights in John Lockes, the second treatise on government Essay

Natural rights in John Lockes, the second treatise on government - Essay Example As such, everyone is entitled to enforce natural law in order to uphold these rights. Secondly, he purports that as an individual ventures into societal relationship with others, he trades what goods he possesses for goods he does not, and as such forms a reason to formulate methods to facilitate the trade of goods, such as the use of money, since money is non-perishable in contrast with food. As such, when money is injected into the system, individuals may pertain to give up their natural rights in order to be governed by a select group of people who exist solely to protect their welfare and property. These representatives work by introducing a system of laws and rules that expand over the societies they govern, and are in charge of enforcing them. However, they must only adhere to the interests of the societies at large, and hence, are at the complete disposal of the individuals and are subject to replacement at the people’s discretion. Locke thus emphasizes a Laissez Faire style of government which respects tolerance and moral values announced by natural rights than a strict measure of communism or monarchy. His political ideology promotes distinct sense of social awareness and respect by all of natural law. Argument against John Locke’s theories Locke’s focus on individual precedence over societal matters suggests two things. The first pertains to the regulation of civil society in that the people realize a need for preservation of their material belongings such as house and property, a measure they cannot administer individually by way of natural right as that might render their judgement partial and unjust. As such, they resort to giving up their natural rights so a body of executives can adjudicate on their behalf. This is because if individuals resorted to upholding their natural rights themselves against those who wronged them, only the strongest would survive. By letting an executive handle the adjudication for them, the judgement is deemed impartial. Of course, in conjunction with this right, Locke states that every child is born free, independent and pure, â€Å"a subject of no country or government† (Locke 118). However, in order to be respectful of other’s rights he must first attain majority and then make an informed decision as to which community he must partake in, for being part of one would mean his giving up of some natural rights in order to follow the customs of the community. Thus, before he attains that majority, the child is essentially without affiliation, under the care of his father, and rendered â€Å"stateless in the very state he was born† (Klausen 763). This gives rise to patriarchy which defines the child’s governing system resulting from tacit consent. Moreover, Locke suggests that tacit consent is binding on the individual as it forms part of his contract within the community he is born, but as the child grows up into majority, he is allowed to leave the p atriarchy to which he has adhered and choose a community to consensually give up his natural rights to. This effectively declares tacit consent as NOT binding. Moreover, Locke’s policy of independence and attainment of natural liberty is only possible if there is â€Å"

Study Guide for Green Lab Book Exam Essay Example for Free

Study Guide for Green Lab Book Exam Essay This study guide does not cover all of the material on your test. This review is meant to be a starting point to help you remember the major ideas that we covered in class. Be sure to also review the information in your notebook, lab book, and returned quizzes and tests. 1. What is ecology? The scientific study of how living things interact with each other and their environment. 2. What are the ABCs of Ecology? Abiotic, Biotic, and Cycles 3. What are the characteristics and needs of living things? Needs: Water, food, sunlight, shelter Characteristics: movement, respiration, nutrition, irritability, growth, excretion, reproduction, death 4. Arrange the following from smallest to largest: population, biome, organism, community, ecosystem. Organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biome. Ecosystems: 1. Define the following: a. niche- the role of an organism in an ecosystem. b. decomposer- an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter. c. producer- an organism that captures energy from sunlight and transforms it into chemical energy cccccccc cthat’s stored in energy-rich carbon compounds. Producers are a source of food for other organisms. d. consumer- a living thing that gets its energy by eating other living things in a food chain. e. limiting factor- a factor or condition that prevents the continuing growth of a pop. in an ecosystem 2. What do the arrows in food chains or webs mean? Eaten by, gives energy to 3. The level of the energy pyramid with the most energy contains what type of organisms? How much energy is transferred each time you move up a level? The level that has most energy are the producers which are plants. 10% of the energy is transferred each time NJyou move up a level. 4. What is . . . a qualitative observation, a quantitative observation, and an inference? Qualitative- describing the appearance of something using words. Quality/look Quantitative- using numbers and words to describe something. Quantity/number Inference- a logical conclusion drawn from the available evidence and prior knowledge or observations. 5. Symbiosis – Define each term and give an example a) mutualism- an interaction between two species in which both benefit. (Flowers and bees) b) parasitism- a relationship between two species in which one species is harmed while the other benefits. Xxxxx(Tapeworms and host) c) commensalism- an interaction between two species in which one species benefits without harming the dffffffother. (Moss and trees) 6. Describe the process of succession. Primary: 1. Retreating glaciers expose bare rock where nothing lives. 2. Lichens appear and when they die, particles break down the rock and soil is made. 3. After a lot of years, there is a lot of soil. Other organisms appear like moss and insects. 4. When more soil is made, there are ferns, flowers, shrubs, and small trees 5. After many years there is enough soil to support a forest. Secondary: 1. A disturbance occurs in an area and the organisms no longer live there. Soon though, crabgrass grows. 2. Then more weeds begin to grow. 3. After about ten years, pine trees grow and after 100 years, a forest may form. 4. Pines may be replaces by hardwoods. Photosynthesis and Respiration: 1. What is photosynthesis? Where does it happen? In what type of organisms? When does it happen? Photosynthesis is the process by which green  plants and other producers use simple compounds and energy ddfrom light to make sugar, and energy-rich compound in the leaf of the plant. It happens during the day. 2. What is the formula for photosynthesis? Underline the reactants and circle the products. 6CO2 + 6H2O + SUN ENERGY C6H12O6 + 6O2 3. How do they enter and leave the plant? CO2: leavesstomaspongy layerpalisadechloroplastchlorophyll H2O: rootsstemleavesxylempalisadechloroplastchlorophyll 4. What is respiration? Where does it happen? In what type of organisms? When does it happen? Cellular Respiration is a process in which cells use oxygen to release energy stored in sugars. Takes place in the mitochondria. It happens all the time. 5. What is the formula for respiration? Underline the reactants and circle the products. C6H12O6 + 6O2 ATP + 6CO2 + 6H2O Biomes: 1. List the major characteristics of the six land biomes and 2 water biomes. In which biome do we live? We live in the Temperate Deciduous Forest. a. Desert- A region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation.| e. Taiga- A type of forest characterized by cone-bearing, needled- leaf trees. It is also known as Evergreen Forest.| b. Freshwater- Defined as having a low salt concentration usually less than 1%. Plants and animals in freshwater regions are adjusted to the low salt content and would not be able to survive in areas of high salt concentration.| f. Temperature Deciduous Forest- Consists of trees that lose their leaves every year. Examples include oak, maple, beech, and elm. Has all four seasons. Plants become dormant in the winter.| c. Grassland- Characterized as lands dominated by grasses rather than large shrubs or trees.| g. Tropical Rainforest- Contains at least one-half of the worlds species of plants and animals and are dominated by tall, broad-leaved trees. Tropical rainforests are wet and hot year-round and have nutrient poor soil. Found @ the equator.| d. Marine- A biome consisting of waters containing 3.5% salt on average; includes the oceans and covers more than 70% of the Earths surface; divided  into benthic and pelagic zones.| h. Tundra- A vast, flat, treeless Arctic region of Europe, Asia, and North America in which the subsoil is permanently frozen.| Chesapeake Bay/Watershed: 1. Which 6 states are part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed? 2743 km2 Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. 2. Define the following: a. tributary- a stream or other body of water, surface or underground, which intermittently contributes its aaaaaaaaawater in small quantities to another larger stream or body of water. b. estuary- the lower end of a river where it meets the ocean and freshwater and saltwater mix. c. watershed- an area or region drained by a river, river system, or other body of water. 3. What are the 2 critical roles oysters play in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem? Oysters are filter feeders, consuming phytoplankton and improving water quality while filtering the water for food. As generations of oysters settle on top of each other and grow they form reefs that provide structured habitat for many fish species and crabs. Oysters also improve dissolved oxygen. 4. What are the roles of SAV? They provide underwater life with food and habitat, absorb nutrients, trap sediment, reduce erosion, and add oxygen to the water. They are an excellent measure of the Bay’s overall condition because their health is closely linked with the Bay’s health. 5. What are the roles of wetlands? Wetlands are transitional areas between land and water. While some wetlands are noticeably wet, others do not always have visible water. An area is defined as a wetland based on its soils and vegetation. All wetlands are dominated by hydrophytes, which are plants that are adapted for life in wet soils. Wetlands also have hydric soils, which are soils that are periodically saturated or flooded. Water Quality Factors: 1. What can affect the temperature of water? The shallowness of the water, the air, and the shade. 2. Draw a simple pH scale. What is neutral? _7_ the most basic? _14_the most acidic? _1_ Basic 3. Why is dissolved oxygen needed in water? How does the oxygen get into the water? Just as we need air to breathe, aquatic organisms need dissolved oxygen to respire. It is necessary for the survival of fish, invertebrates, bacteria, and underwater plants. DO is also needed for the decomposition of organic matter. There are three ways that oxygen gets dissolved into water. One is by diffusion, when oxygen diffuses into the water directly from the air above it. Next is aeration, this can be cased by wave action of water spilling over rocks and waterfalls or you aerator. And the third is by waste products of plants. Aquatic plants produce oxygen as a waste product of photosynthesis and this dissolves into the water. 4. What causes the uncontrolled growth of green algae in the Bay? What is the name for this process? Nitrites act as fertilizer for aquatic plants such as algae and contribute to the sequence of events called eutrophication. An excess of nitrates causes algae to grow and cover the entire surface of the water. The plants that grow underwater do not get enough sunlight so they die and begin to decompose. Eventually the algae will die and be decomposed by bacteria in the water. Decomposition and the lack of green plants resultfin a decreased amount of oxygen in the water. Without enough oxygen, fish and other organisms will die.

Thermal Energy Conversion Essay -- physics energy power renewable powe

The demand for an efficient renewable energy source is a driving force in ongoing research. Thermal energy conversion is one such potential source that is under constant investigation and has endless avenues of possibility. The two requirements of energy production are efficiency and renewability. Many possibilities exist for energy production including: Fossil Fuels (natural gas, oil, coal, oilshale), nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and wastes, & hydroelectric. Efficiency of the use of these resource are directly related to the location and the demand in that location. For example Hawaii is a prime candidate for the use of the oceans mechanical wave action, the thermal gradient of the ocean, wind, and biomass from the high levels of plant growth. The demand for another energy source comes from Hawaii's dependence on oil that has to be transported there. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion(OTEC) is the utilization of the energy stored in the world's oceans by the thermal gradient created. The thermal gradient is the difference of the surface temperature of the ocean that is heated via solar energy and the water at depths of significantly colder temperatures. This thermal gradient is the energy source that is converted to usable energy by OTEC plants. The idea for using the oceans thermal energy is credited to several visionaries including Jacques D'Arsonval, a French Engineer, in 1881. The temperature difference needed for an OTEC plant is about 36 deg F (20 deg C). Temperature differences of this amount are readily available in many locations in the world. The areas depicted in red on the above map produce the best areas for OTEC sites due to the stablility of warm weather throughout t... ...ntially be exploited for one of the municipalities that stand beside the pipeline? Arctic North Slope Borough - 179.2 mi. Fairbanks North Star Borough - 89.1 mi. City of Delta Junction - 5.5 mi. City of Valdez - 20.8 mi. Could the pipeline at least help to power one of the ten pump stations located along its winding path? It is not likely that the heat exchange in either of the two above systems would produce a sufficient enough amount of energy to produce electricity. The temperature of the oil as it is extracted is approximately 160 Â ° F and the flow temperature approximately 140 Â ° F. These temperatures need to be maintained for the oil to remain in a viscous enough state to be transport with some amount of efficiency. This inquiry into the potential use of excess heat being produced as a by-product does however open the door to other possibilities.

Development of Tourism in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, also often called the â€Å"The Pearl of the Indian Ocean†. Tourism in Sri Lanka has had its ups and downs. Such things like the civil war is now over, but for the past thirty years that the war was ongoing, a lot of people feared to travel to Sri Lanka and the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami . But despite all these events, the tourism in Sri Lanka is still one of the major profit generating industries. Sri Lanka may be a small island, but it has a lot to offer. From its beautiful beaches, to their exotic foods and diverse cultural heritage.The tropical weather in Sri Lanka is all year round except for the monsoon season which usually ranges from mid-year to the end of the year. Foreigners visit often to be in the warm weather. Sri Lanka has so many beautiful beaches that are still untouched and not commercialized. Over half a million tourists came to Sri Lanka in 2006. Other up and coming tourist attractions are precious stone mining in Ratnapura, â€Å"The Gem City† as it is known and also ecotourism. Travelers today like the idea of travelling while also doing their part to help preserve the environment.Buddhism has the biggest influence in molding Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural heritage and also a big factor in drawing in the crowds to Sri Lanka. From temples, relics, religious landmarks and Ayurveda. Sri Lanka has started its campaign on ecotourism and spa-like ayurvedic treatments, banking on the diverse flora and fauna found there. No matter what natural disaster or civil war comes upon Sri Lanka, its beauty and purity have made its mark on the world. There is no doubt that Sri Lankan tourism today is expected to reap the benefits after thirty years of struggle and the tragic tsunami, with hope and bright prospects on the horizon.

Illustrate and Critically Discuss the Representation of Gay People in Television Sitcoms or Soap Opera.

Illustrate and critically discuss the representation of gay people in television sitcoms or soap opera. As the issue of representation is central to this essay, it is important to note that there have been problems with identifying a definitive meaning of ‘representation’. Several theorists have commented on the concept of representation. Stuart Hall (1997: 61)) defines representation as ‘the process by which members of a culture use language†¦to provide meaning’.From this meaning, he says, we can already see that ‘representation’ cannot possibly be a fixed, unchangeable notion. While culture and language evolve and grow with human society, the same must therefore be said of the perceptions of ‘representation’. Gillian Swanson (1991: 123) backs up Hall’s theory, observing that ‘there can be no absolute version of ‘how things are’ but only many competing versions’. She continues: Ideas about what people are like and how they are meant to be understood already prevail in our culture.They give meaning to our sense of self and allow us to position ourselves in relation to others. Such meanings and attitudes are reproduced in representation but the way representations are constructed is as important as the ideas and meanings they project, since they offer positions for us, through which we recognise images as similar, or different from, ourselves and those around us. We continually define ourselves in changing relations to those meanings; images change over time and the meanings which are legitimated by the social or cultural context change as well.The general idea of ‘representation’ then, not only changes over time, but may also have several different interpretations at any given point. Alexander Doty and Ben Gove (1997: 84) argue that when discussing homosexual representation in the mass media and popular culture we must look ‘beyond understanding the â₠¬Ëœmass’ or ‘popular’ as necessarily meaning a mainstream media or culture that only addresses millions of heterosexuals’. They acknowledge another, ‘alternative’ mass media that runs parallel to the ‘mainstream’ mass media but has been pushed to the sidelines in the past.A conservative viewpoint would state that this is because the mass media should convey the will and desires of the ‘majority’ and therefore should not be made to positively represent anything that contradicts the society’s dominant ideology. However, Doty and Gove note that in recent years the lines between these ‘mainstream’ and ‘alternative’ mass media have become blurred with, for example, the screening of programmes written, starring and watched by lesbians, gays and queers on television.Having said that, this by no means implies that there is less of an issue to be raised by the representation of homosexuality on television. The most obvious issue surrounding this is, of course, the stereotyping of gay characters on television and, in particular, television sitcoms. While gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters did not appear in television sitcoms until the 1970s, modern television sees an entire genre of situation comedies featuring gays.These types of programmes are no longer written by the homosexual for the homosexual, but have become integrated within Doty and Gove’s ‘mainstream’ mass media. They discuss the importance of being aware of who finances, creates, publicises and exhibits a certain programme, and how these factors might affect the way that programme represents ‘queerness’. For example, the two creators of the ‘gay-best-friend’ sitcom Will & Grace are Max Mutchnick, who is gay, and David Kohan, who is straight.Arguably, the way in which ‘queerness’ is represented here may have benefited from having a homosex ual and a heterosexual input. This way, the show has more chance of appealing to a wider ‘mass’ audience. Consequently, it is possible that the gay, lesbian or queer characters featured in television sitcoms may have been tailored, in a sense, for a heterosexual audience. This could go some way to clarifying why Will & Grace, unlike many other similar sitcoms of its kind, has become so popular. Stephen Tropiano holds a simpler view, claiming that ‘the success of Will & Grace really comes down to one thing – it’s funny.What separates Will &Grace from the gaycoms that only last a few months has little to do with its politics and more to do with the talent of the performers and the quality of the writing and direction (mainly, James Burrows, one of the best in the business). ’ Swanson notes the ‘extreme and caricatured way in which [stereotyping] draws on commonly-held impressions and assumptions’. It may be assumed that the views Sw anson talks about are ‘commonly-held’ by the dominant, heterosexual audience that the mass media is seen to address.If this is the case, then this may account, in part, for some of the stereotyping of gays in television sitcoms. A more positive (and therefore acceptable) representation would make the programme much more accessible to a much wider audience. But what could be regarded as a ‘positive’ image of gays and lesbians in television? Doty and Gove note that many of the images regarded as ‘positive’ by, and that received praise from critics and watchdogs were ones that played down homosexuality or ignored the issue altogether, depicting gays as being ‘just like everyone else’ in their attempts not to make it a focal point.On the other hand, those images where gays were more explicitly depicted fared no better. Joshua Gamson (1998: 21) found that studies of the portrayals of gay men and lesbians in film and television ‘ha ve soundly demonstrated how homosexual lives have been subject to systematic exclusion and stereotyping as victims and villains’. For example, Gamson cites Vito Russo’s The Celluloid Closet, in which Russo argues that television has produced ‘stereotypical conceptualisations of AIDS that vilify gays and legitimate homophobia’. Doty and Gove take this a step further, observing that:By the late 1980s and 1990s, the recurring televisual image of gay men with AIDS sparked heated critical debates over exactly what kind of image it was: ‘negative’, because it depicted homosexuality as a victimhood that, yet again, ended in death; or ‘positive’, as it encouraged sympathy and even admiration for gay men through images of their courage in the face of death. They identify a bit of a grey area concerning the labelling of the representation of homosexual images as ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ in that different people wi ll look at these images from a variety of perspectives; there can be no universal interpretation of any given image.The same can be said of trying to define ‘realistic’ images of gays, lesbians and queers on television. Doty and Gove observe that there are two ways in which people recognise these ‘real’ images; some note that text expressively marks the imagery through dialogue or by showing physical or sexual activity. Recent examples of this are Matt Fielding (Melrose Place), Simon and Tony (Eastenders) and Beth Jordache (Brookside). Other people feel that realistic images do not need to use explicit text to gauge a character’s sexuality on the basis of other signs.Many viewers see characters like Mr Humphries (Are You Being Served? ) and Xena (Xena: Warrior Princess) as being gay, lesbian or bisexual. These two binary explanations of what constitutes as a ‘realistic’ image of queerness shows the difficulty in even defining what Ã¢â‚¬Ë œreality’ is for gays, lesbians and queers. It is difficult to define a ‘typical reality’ or, to put it another way, to recognise a general gay ‘identity’ in which to categorise them. Essentialist theorists state that they are bound together by the fact that their identities are determined by their sexuality.Donald Hall (2003: 42) suggests that such theorists would argue that ‘same-sex desiring individuals have always existed and that however much their context may have changed, they were, without a doubt, aware of their sexual desires and they must have thought of themselves as belonging to a distinct group of similar individuals’. While it makes sense that the individual would have been aware of their sexual desires, constructionist theory would perhaps note that historically they may not have been aware of any sense of belonging, rather one of detachment due to the cultural influences in society at the time.Constructionist theory, say s Hall, emphasises language and belief systems in order to determine identity. Richard Dyer (2002: 19) observes, rather importantly, that ‘a major fact about being gay is that it doesn’t show†¦the person’s person alone does not show†¦that he or she is gay’. He argues that there are ‘signs of gayness’ such as expressions, stances and clothing that ‘make visible the invisible’. Typification is a near necessity, says Dyer, for the representation of gayness, which he argues is the product of social, political, practical and textual determinations.He deduces that the social factor is an integral one from which gay people can be recognised: The prevalent fact of gay typification is determined by the importance of a social category whose members would be invisible did they and the culture not provide lifestyle signs with which to make recognition possible†¦It is probable that most gay people are for most of their lives in fact invisible. Acting and dressing gay may only be an evening or weekend activity; in particular, it may not be practised at the workplace, or for married gays at home either.Equally, many people who are homosexual may never identify with the various gay lifestyles, never, in this sense, define and produce themselves as gay. What Dyer conveys here is that to be classed as ‘gay’, a person must be able to identify with not only the inner, biological aspects of ‘gayness’ (as put forward by essentialism) but also with the cultural aspects around them (as suggested by constructionism). This in itself is quite stereotypical because of the presumption about what is ‘gay’. Those who do not conform to this ideal are classed as ‘invisible’.Accordingly, the images we have been seeing of gay characters in television sitcoms may only be representations of certain types of gay people, and it is difficult to know whether or not these people are a majority or a minority. Will & Grace attempts to deviate from the stereotypical notions of ‘gayness’ through its two gay main characters, Will and Jack, and provide an insight into ‘invisible’ gayness. James Keller (2002: 124) describes the two main male characters as ‘foils representing diversity within gay masculinity, a diversity which argues for and against gender stereotypes about gay men’.The name ‘Will’, Keller says, signifies resolution and courage while the surname ‘Truman’ suggests that Will is a ‘real man’. This is also put across in the way he dresses. As an attorney, his conservative style and uptight personality mean that Will shows little of the usual stereotypical traits that signal to an audience that he is gay. Keller compares him to the modern sensitive male (such as Ross Geller in Friends), and his primary relationships focus mainly on women, namely Grace.The name ‘Jack’ is reminiscent of a joker or jester, a clown basically. While ‘Truman’ represents composure and respectability, ‘McFarland’ implies waywardness and outlandish behaviour. Tropiano asserts that, similarly to Will, Jack ‘isn’t exactly gay either: he’s hyper-gay’. Keller describes Jack as ‘silly, irresponsible, immature, narcissistic, effeminate, insulting and promiscuous’, the epitome of the negative stereotypical gay male, ‘made lovable by humour and childlike unselfconsciousness’.Their apparent contradictory personalities are, says Keller, the ‘respective embodiments of the familiar and the unfamiliar, although, paradoxically, what is coded as familiar here is actually unfamiliar in the history of gay representation’. He notes that Will is presented as the ‘norm’ whilst Jack is portrayed as unusual among gay men in a respectable, middle class situation. While Will is offered as th e ‘preferable alternative’ to the stereotype of the gay man, because Jack is much funnier and more stylish than Will he could, points out Keller, easily also be a preferable alternative.This presentation of two very different types of gay men, both preferable to the stereotype, serves to not only expand the culturally accepted notion of ‘gayness’ (as part of its political agenda) but also works as a hook to keep its audience interested (the main function of the programme). In addition to this, Will and Jack have enough depth, enough layers in their personalities, to represent – arguably – a certain sense of ‘realism’. Tropiano explains ‘[Sean] Hayes and the writers have created a three-dimensional character who, beneath his somewhat shallow exterior, is a strong, confident person.As a gay man, he’s also completely comfortable with his sexuality. ’ Will, on the other hand, though smart and successful, is the cha racter that most needs personal guidance, about love and relationships in particular, and Jack is often on hand to give this advice. Between these two characters, then, are a fair number of characteristics that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight people alike would be able to relate to in some way.Furthermore, Will & Grace compromises with the dominant ideologies by making the most important relationships in the lives of the two gay characters heterosocial and quasi-heterosexual. By doing this, the problems identified in earlier ‘gaycoms’ such as Ellen (which was axed for being ‘too gay’ and overly political) are overcome and, as a result, more meaningful, contemporary representations of gay people seen in the show are able to ease naturally into cultural ideology as opposed to being forced through. Vito Russo (1987:325) argues against Richard Dyer’s (and others’) theory of invisibility.He says that ‘gays have always been vi sible†¦it’s how they’ve been visible that has remained offensive for almost a century’. Joshua Gamson supports Russo, pointing out that, until recently, gays and lesbians had very little input into their own representations. Dominant ideologies have therefore held virtually all control over how gays have been represented in the past, leading to negative stereotypes of gays. To remedy this, Gamson argues that ‘more exposure is the answer’. However, this in itself poses problems, such as when considering the positive/negative images approach.Doty and Gove note that its critics have suggested that ‘most definitions of what constitutes a ‘positive’ image would restrict the range of gay and lesbian representation as much as so-called ‘negative’, stereotypical images do, by encouraging only bland, saintly, desexualised mainstream figures who might as well be heterosexual’. But herein lies the problem: dominant c ultural ideology has, throughout history, commanded how gay people are represented in society and on television, and only recently have they been able to acquire some control themselves.After a period of trial and error, the television sitcom Will & Grace, with its innovative balance of hetero and homosexual political comedy, could be making its mark on society. During this time, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders have been continually trying to become fully accepted as part of mainstream culture. However, the images approach has been criticised for attempting to do just that. In an ever-changing culture, is the gay community in a state of confusion about which direction it wants to go, and how it wants to be represented when it gets there?References †¢ Craig, Steve (1992). Men, Masculinity and the Media. London: Sage Publications Ltd. †¢ Dyer, Richard (2002). The Matter of Images: Essays on Representation. London: Routledge †¢ Gamson, Joshua (1998). Freaks Ta lk Back. Chicago: University of Chicago Press †¢ Hall, Donald E. (2003). Queer Theories. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan †¢ Hall, Stuart (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: Sage Publications Ltd. †¢ Keller, James R. (2002).Queer (Un)Friendly Film and Television. North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc. †¢ Lusted, David (edited by) (1991). The Media Studies Book: A Guide For Teachers. London: Routledge †¢ Medhurst, Andy and Sally R. Munt (1997). Lesbian and Gay Studies: A Critical Introduction. London: Cassell †¢ Tropiano, Stephen (2002). The Prime Time Closet: A History of Gays and Lesbians on TV. Kent: Combined Book Services Ltd. †¢ Russo, Vito (1987). The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies. 2nd Ed. New York: Harper & Row

Short Writing and Discussion Topics for ESL

Short Writing and Discussion Topics for ESL The idea of this exercise is to get students to quickly write about a topic they choose (or you assign). These short presentations are then used in two manners; to generate spontaneous conversations on a wide range of topics, and to take a look at some common writing problems. Aim: Working on common writing mistakes - generating conversation Activity: Short intensive writing exercise followed by a discussion Level: Intermediate to upper-intermediate Outline Variation 1: Tell students that they will have exactly five minutes (reduce or extend the writing time as you feel is appropriate) to write about a subject on the list that you are going to give them.Variation 2: Cut the list of topics into strips and hand a different topic to each student. Tell students that they will have exactly five minutes (reduce or extend the writing time as you feel is appropriate) to write about the topic you have given them.Explain that students shouldnt worry about their writing style, but, rather, they should focus on quickly writing down their feelings about the topic they have chosen (or you have assigned).Have each student read what he or she has written to the class. Ask the other students to write down two questions based on what they hear.Have the other students ask questions about what they have heard.During the course of this exercise, take notes on common mistakes that occur in student writings.At the close of this exercise, discuss the common mi stakes you have taken not of with the students. In this manner, no student feels singled out and all students benefit from learning about typical writing mistakes. Writing Storms The best thing to happen to me today The worst thing to happen to me today Something funny that happened to me this week What I really hate! What I really like! My favorite thing A surprise I had A landscape A building A monument A museum A memory from childhood My best friend My boss What is friendship? A problem I have My favorite TV show My son My daughter My favorite grandparent

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