Kei Urano Essays - Anthropology, Humanities, Culture, Ethnography

Kei Urano 9/16/99 Critical Essay #1 During the first four weeks of our class, we have been reading and discussing numerous essays on the study of culture. Each theorist we have read has questions and problems about the study of culture. They have suggested us solutions to the problems as well. I have decided to closely analyze the essays from Richard Johnson, James Clifford, and Clifford Geertz. In his essay, What is Cultural Studies Anyway? Richard Johnson goes into detail describing critique. Critique involves stealing away the more useful elements and rejecting the rest.(pg. 575). By comparison, Johnson defines cultural studies as a process of finding useful knowledge about different analysis of culture. Johnson explains how anglicizing of old Marxism is a good example of critique in cultural studies. By explaining how old Marxism has a significant role in forming cultural studies, Johnson implies how history of economics has a major role in forming culture. Johnson believes that there are three main premises where old Marxism has influenced cultural study. The first is that social relations influence culture. I agree with Johnson. Different class, sex, race, and age create different relationships. The second premise is that each individual and social group has different limits of power defining different needs. For example, homeless people have different needs than the r ich. This is an example of money being defined as power. The third premise is that culture is influenced by social struggles and differences. I don't know any culture where every individual is truly equal. There is always a struggle for power. Critique in cultural studies raises several questions for Johnson. If we have progressed by critique, are there not dangers that codifications will involve systematic closure? If the momentum is to strive for really useful knowledge, will academic codification help this? Is not the priority to become more 'popular' rather than more academic? ...In any case, students, now have lectures, courses and examinations in the study of culture. In these circumstances, how can they occupy a critical tradition critically?(pg. 577). These questions have been puzzling me as well. I don't see how cultural studies can be more 'popular' rather than more academic. 'Popular' means majority. Johnson questions the reason for classes cultural studies. Does this mean that we need to study individually? If so, how could it become more 'popular'? I believe that Johnson's questions makes the readers go in circles. Another thing that puzzles me is that Johnson believes that old Marxism has a significant role in cultural studies. Marxism explains how the working group will overthrow the class system and establish a Communist society. Yet, Johnson believes that the three premises discussed earlier influence culture. Is he saying that he is against cultural studies? If this is so, I don't see why he is a cultural theorist. James Clifford wrote On Collecting Art and Culture. Clifford starts by explaining about universality and non-universality of collecting. Some sort of 'gathering' around the self and the group - the assemblage of a material 'world,' the marking-off of a subjective domain that is now 'other' - is probably universal. (no pg.#). This explains how human nature embodies hierarchies of value. But the notion that this gathering involves the accumulation of possessions, the idea that identity is a kind of wealth...is surely not universal. (no pg.3). This non-universal way of collecting has been around in the Western culture for a long time. Clifford then goes on to explain the different concepts of collecting and fetishizing. Clifford describes fetishism as a collection kept more in secrecy. It is hard to say if a fetish has more value than a collection. I believe that fetish has a much more personal value than a regular collection. A regular collection is put out into display because the obj ect has value to others as well. A fetish is valuable to the individual. The difference between collecting and fetishizing brings out the question of how different objects are distinguished. Clifford distinguishes objects in the diagram call the semiotic square. Clifford explains how the value of an object proceeds from bottom to top and left to right. I have several problems with Clifford's diagram. First, with this diagram, Clifford has limited culture with just art. By reading different

Cortes and the Burning of the Boats at Vera Cruz essays

Cortes and the Burning of the Boats at Vera Cruz essays In 1519, Capitan Hernando Cortes and a small army left the Spanish-held island of Cuba and set out on one of the greatest conquests in the history of the world. Cortes was going to accomplish his goals no matter the consequences. He put to death some of those who opposed him, got himself appointed Capitan-General in order to get out from under Diego Velazquezs authority, and even destroyed his fleet in an attempt to motivate his men to adapt to his at-all-costs attitude. The destruction of the ships has been widely studied and is still debated today. The dispute is not if he destroyed his ships, but how and to what extent. Many sources claim that Cortes had the ships destroyed secretly. Very few state that Cortes told his men of his intent; but Bernal Diaz tells that Cortes was advised by his men to destroy his ships. (Diaz, 131) Diaz states, . . . we who were his friends advised him . . . not to leave a single ship in port, but to destroy them all immediately, in order to leave no cause of trouble behind. (Diaz, 130) Diaz goes on to say, The ships were destroyed with our full knowledge and not . . . in secret. (Diaz, 131) Salvador De Madariaga suggests that Cortes planted some friends to advise him to destroy his fleet; thus, at least some of the soldiers knew of the plan. (Madariaga, 156) He also says that Cortes was in Cempoal at the time for clemency. (Madariaga, 155) Jacob Abbott wrote that most of the soldiers were in Zempoalla and suggests that Cortez acted without them knowing. (Abbott, 126) John Manchip White states, This drastic action was performed secretly. (White, 185) Francisco L opez de Gomara said that Cortes begged the sailing masters to spread a story about the ships being decayed and no longer seaworthy. He also alleges, . . . that his companions might prevent it, as the doubtless would have done if the realized what he had in mind. (Gomar...

Merger For Success In The US Airline Industry Research Paper

Merger For Success In The US Airline Industry - Research Paper Example Prior to regulation, there were no reports of airline bankruptcy. However, since deregulation in 1978, bankruptcy has become commonplace.    Between 1978 and 2001, nine major airlines inclusive of America West, Braniff, Continental, Eastern, Pan Am and TWA and more than 100 smaller carriers declared bankruptcy or liquidated its assets (Kaps, Hamilton & Bliss, 2012). The irony is that deregulation was thought to be appropriate on the basis that previous concerns about distorted competition and monopolies had been unfounded (Kaps et. al., 2012).   As Kaps et. al. (2012) explained, government officials believed that the dynamics of the market would facilitate operations â€Å"approaching pure market competition without governmental economic regulation† (p. 7).  Prior to regulation, there were no reports of airline bankruptcy. However, since deregulation in 1978, bankruptcy has become commonplace.    Between 1978 and 2001, nine major airlines inclusive of America West, Bra niff, Continental, Eastern, Pan Am and TWA and more than 100 smaller carriers declared bankruptcy or liquidated its assets (Kaps, Hamilton & Bliss, 2012). The irony is that deregulation was thought to be appropriate on the basis that previous concerns about distorted competition and monopolies had been unfounded.   As Kaps et. al. explained, government officials believed that the dynamics of the market would facilitate operations â€Å"approaching pure market competition without governmental economic regulation†.† (p. 7). The terror attacks of September 11, 2001 introduced greater difficulties for an already struggling airline industry (Wensveen, 2011). Losses to the US airline industry following the September 11, 2001 amounted to an estimated US$17.7 billion. However, it has been argued that the failures in the airline industry cannot be entirely attributable

Case study p565 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Case study p565 - Essay Example The risk associated with oral health includes xerostomia, sipping coffee, and minor diabetes. On the next appointment, the selected patient brought back the 24-hour recall food diary without mentioning specific foods so as not to create a bias. â€Å"The caries promotion potential of diet â€Å"calculated was eight, which considered a moderated risk for caries. For xerostomia patients, this understanding could be significant if it comes from intake of drugs and undergoing treatment. If a patient has a mouth that is dry, they would be prone to damages of the tongue and a risk of dental caries infection. Base on the dental charting, the patient has an obligation to ensure that she maintains good health for her dental structure. More so, the O’Leary score was low. Another health concern in dental caries was using of hard brush wrongly. Application of much energy when brushing using hard brush may result to fractures in the gums and teeth. The doctor instructed the patient to switch to chewing sugar free gum and take water that has fluoride. Fluoridated water does not only maintain the health of a patient’s teeth but can also ensure that the patient does not suffer from having a dry mouth. The doctor recommended â€Å"Nutrition and your Oral Health† and â€Å"Caries Risk† pamphlets for the patient to get more information about dental health. On the third appointment, the patient acknowledged the doctor’s recommendation during the previous appointments. She had started chewing sugar free gum and enhanced on the intake of water every day. This nutritional counseling project is essential to me as a learner because I realized that every case is different. The recommendation resulted from what the patient needed and was a modified base on scientific evidence. It motivated the patient and enhanced her dental

The State Children's Health Insurance Program Essay

The State Children's Health Insurance Program - Essay Example Before the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was enacted, Medicare and Medicaid was the only available, federally funded health insurance program offered by the government. Medicare was specifically designed to help the aged, the retirees, the survivors, and the disabled among others, pay for health care services like: inpatient hospitalization, home health care, hospice care, physician consult, outpatient hospital, prescription drugs, and the like (Klees, Wolfe, & Curtis, 2010). Medicaid, on the other hand, is the biggest source of government funding that covers medical, and other health-related services for the poorest people in the United States (Klees, Wolfe, & Curtis, 2010). However, Medicaid does not provide for all poor people; it covers only those who qualify for the inclusion criteria set by the legislators (Klees, Wolfe, & Curtis, 2010). The State Children’s Health Insurance Policy was established in 1997 to afford health care services to unins ured, low-income children; who were not eligible for Medicaid (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 1997).

The Theme Of Macbeth :: essays research papers

The play Macbeth written by William Shakespeare in the beginning of the 17th century, deals with a man's turn from the king's most glorious, brave and courageous general into a traitor and murderer influenced by evil forces.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the following I am going to describe the play briefly and explain the theme of it. Furthermore I will discuss Macbeth's character and his internal conflict.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While the general Macbeth and his friend Banquo are returning from a victorious battle, King Duncan hears of their courage and bestows the title of Cawdor on the still absent Macbeth. The two warriors encounter three witches who greet Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and „(…) King hereafter'. They prophesize that Banquo will become king though he will not himself be one. Macbeth, who is already Thane of Glamis, is startled when two messengers from the king greet him as the new Thane of Cawdor, thus fulfilling the witches' prophecy in part. When Macbeth learns that Duncan's son Malcolm has been appointed Prince of Cumberland, automatic successor to the throne, he momentarily entertains the idea of killing the king and so begins the ultimate prediction of the witches.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Banquo resists any thoughts that might hasten the witches' prophecy that his children will be kings. Lady Macbeth, however, strengthens her husband to kill the king and they accomplish it. When the murder is discovered, the king's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, seeing a similar fate for themselves, flee Scotland. Macbeth proceeds to Scone, where he is crowned as Duncan's successor to the throne.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Banquo half-suspects Macbeth of Duncan's murder but accepts an invitation at the new king's fiest and attends it with his son Fleance. Macbeth employs two murderers to kill both in an attempt to avoid the second part of the witches' prophecies. They kill Banquo but Fleance escapes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Macbeth decides to find the witches to demand further assurances. They answer him with a procession of ghostly appearances: an armed head which warns him against Macduff; a child covered in blood which says that „(…) none of a woman born shall harm Macbeth'; a child holding a tree, who says Macbeth will be safe until „(…) Birnam Wood (…)' comes to Dunsinane; and eight kings followed by Banquo's ghost, which, with a smile, points to them as his descendants. Leaving, Macbeth encounters the nobleman Lennox, who tells him that Macduff has fled to England. Macbeth vows to kill Macduff's wife and children.

Examining class differences Essay

(a)Explain briefly what is meant by the term ‘elaborated speech code’ . Elaborate speech code is usually associated with middle-class, well educated people. It uses a wide variety of vocabulary, is more context based, uses grammatically complex sentences, communicates abstract ideas and is mostly context-free. (b)Identify three policies that governments have introduced to compensate for material and cultural disadvantage, apart from Educational Priority Areas. Compensatory education is a policy designed in order to tackle the problem of cultural deprivation, by providing resources to communities as well as schools in deprived areas. An example of a compensatory education programme is Operation Head Start in the United States, which is one of the best known examples of such programmes. Operation Head Start focuses on pre-school ‘planned enrichment’ education in poorer areas, which was introduced in the 1960s. Their aim was to develop children’s learning skills and instil achievement motivation. This included tasks such as: setting up nursery classes, home visits by health visitors and educational psychologists, improving parenting skills and the creation of intensive learning programmes for deprived children. Sesame Street, the popular TV programme, was initially created as part of Head Start, in order to reach young children and reflecting the values and attitudes needed for educational success; such as the importance of general knowledge, literacy and numeracy. In the UK, there have been several compensatory education programmes over the years, such as the Education Priority Areas that were created in the 1960s, Education Action Zones, which were introduced in the 1960s, and more recently, with the launch in 2000, comes Sure Start. Sure Start is a nationwide programme aimed at pre-school children as well as their parents. However, it also has non-educational aims, such as improving children’s health. Sure Start was introduced by the British Government in order to tackle poverty and social exclusion. The centres available provide integrated education, family support, support with parental employment, care and health services. Sure Start’s main aim is to work with parents to promote the physical, intellectual, educational and social development of babies and young children, particularly those who are disadvantaged. (c)Outline some of the ways in which material deprivation may affect educational achievement. Material deprivation is a lack of resources and necessities needed to live a basic lifestyle, such as an adequate diet, housing, clothing, or in some cases, the money to be able to buy these things. Material deprivation can affect educational achievement as the result of the lack of these necessities. Children in education will need financial support from their parents/carers in order to pursue a sufficient education; however disadvantaged families cannot afford educational aids. As well as that, families living in poverty may have limited space in their home. This leads to overcrowding, which means there is nowhere for the child to study. Also, this could lead to illness, depending on the state and cleanliness of the house. For example, dampness can cause a variety of illnesses, which leads to absence at school, therefore, lessening the child’s chance of a successful education. Some parents may force their children to leave school early and pursue a career in order to provide extra income for the family. (d)Using material from Item A (source) and elsewhere, assess the view that working class children under-achieve because they are culturally deprived. The idea that working-class children will most likely under-achieve due to a lack of culture, also known as cultural deprivation, refers to children lacking the norms, values, beliefs, skills and knowledge that a society would regard as important and necessary. The attributes that these children should know and learn are, in most cases, taught by their parents and are passed to the next generation through socialisation. All children are socialised differently, and the social class of the parent has a huge impact on the child and may affect their achievement in education. According to the cultural deprivation theory, some working-class parents fail to communicate and instil the appropriate norms, values, beliefs, skills and knowledge needed for educational success. However, there are other factors that can determine how well a child does within education. For example, material deprivation, cultural capital and economic capital can also have an impact on how well some children will attain, therefore cultural deprivation is not the only factor and may not be the most important reason to why working-class children under-achieve.